Google’s new project is set to change AR as we know it. Project Astra is only available to selected beta users right now, but it’s going to be available to the wider public when some final adjustments have been made. The project, which combines AI and AR, integrates sensors and processors with an advanced display system. The beta testers have been hand-picked by Google and are currently testing the futuristic glasses.
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AR has Been Around for Quite Some Time
AR is nothing new, in fact, it’s been around in many different forms for quite some time. Social media platforms, for example, offerer AR filters in the form of face swaps and funny filters. You also have IKEA, which uses AR to let you preview how furniture is going to look in your home, via your phone camera. Amazon has also adopted this technology, showing how corporate giants are using AR to their advantage. AR is also present in gaming. Ingress is a team-based geomobile game that uses AR to turn landmarks into portals. It’s also been used in iGaming as well.
If you have ever played poker or roulette at a British casino, or any online casino for that matter, you will also notice that AR is used in the form of digital chips. You also have overlays that show the amount you’re betting, and your number, or card selection. By using AR, it becomes possible to make the game feel more lifelike and immersive, something that Google is putting a big focus on with its new Project Astra technology.
Google aims to ultimately try and make sure that they are incorporating next-level technology, including micro-LED displays and ultra-HD film. The lenses in the glasses adjust to the light outdoors and indoors to ensure maximum clarity, with real-time object recognition being a core feature. The spectacles can provide contextual information about the world, with the ability to translate languages, read signs, and more. This is helping to position the tech as being useful for business owners and travellers. Gesture control is also a built-in feature, with hand movements and voice commands being used in conjunction with each other to provide a seamless experience for users.
Early Access for Exclusive Users
Project Astra shows a lot of promise, and it certainly has some interesting use cases as well. AR navigation is one of the top ones. Overlays can be displayed on the screen and superimposed, guiding users through unknown cities or even on hiking trails. With instant language translation and the option of virtual whiteboards and 3D visualisation, it’s the perfect tool for business owners who want to step up their level of efficiency and professionalism. As time goes on, it’s going to make a real difference to the world of gaming as well. With Google actively showing how involved they are in gaming, it’s going to be interesting to see how Project Astra falls in with their current developments and if we are eventually going to see specific titles released for the device. Only time will tell, but it’s certainly an exciting concept.