AR and VR: The Next Computing Revolution?
AI created, human edited.
In a recent episode of This Week in Tech, host Devindra Hardawar and guests Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ ("Padre") and Anthony Ha delved into the exciting world of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Their discussion painted a vivid picture of where this technology stands today and where it might be headed in the near future.
The Current State of AR and VR
The conversation kicked off with a look at Apple's recent iPhone 16 event and announcement, and how the Vision Pro launch was a moment when the tech giant felt less iterative. While some view the Vision Pro as a failure, Devindra argued that it's too early to make that judgment. He drew parallels to the first iPhone, which was initially criticized for its limitations but went on to revolutionize the smartphone industry.
Padre expressed more enthusiasm for AR than VR, stating, "I'm way more excited by AR than by VR. I mean, VR was always a gimmick for me." He envisioned a future where AR glasses could overlay useful information on the real world, potentially becoming as commonplace as regular eyeglasses.
The Challenges Ahead
The podcast guests highlighted several hurdles that AR and VR technology still need to overcome:
1. Hardware limitations: Current devices are often bulky and uncomfortable for extended use.
2. Battery life: Powering these devices efficiently remains a significant challenge, especially for long periods.
3. Processing power: AR and VR require substantial on-device processing capabilities.
4. User interface: Finding natural ways for users to interact with AR/VR environments is crucial and necessary for adoption.
Anthony Ha pointed out the "weird, janky things" that companies are trying out, such as the Vision Pro's rendering of the user's eyes. He emphasized the importance of creating experiences that feel natural and don't disconnect users from the real world.
The Potential of AR
Padre painted an optimistic picture of AR's future, suggesting that within 10 years, AR could be ubiquitous. He highlighted potential professional applications, such as providing instant information during networking events. Devindra shared his experience with various AR and VR devices, noting that the Vision Pro offered the most compelling day-to-day use cases he's seen so far. He was particularly impressed by its ability to create a virtual 200-inch screen and manage multiple windows in a 3D space.
The discussion touched on upcoming AR devices, including Meta's rumored "Orion" glasses. The hosts speculated on potential control mechanisms, debating the merits of physical controls versus gesture recognition.
While the technology is still evolving, the podcast guests agreed that AR and VR have the potential to reshape how we interact with digital information and our environment. As Padre put it, "Give it 10 years, 10 years, and I think AR would be everywhere."
Want to hear more insights on the future of AR, VR, and other cutting-edge technologies? Listen to the full episode of This Week in Tech for an in-depth discussion on these topics and more!
