Intel's plan to put augmented reality functions directly onto its chips could transform adoption of the tech, says Softtalkmobile.
Here’s one for the future – possibly two to three years out: Intel is developing processors that will feature augmented reality (AR) components. The aim is to have AR features such as gesture recognition actually on the chipset.
Putting AR on the hardware will make AR faster and could certainly drive widespread adoption given that it would feature on devices from phones to games consoles. It would also obviate the need for additional AR downloads.
Clearly, this move is going to give Intel a lot more leverage in smartphones. At present, it has about 80 per cent of the processor market in PCs, but in phones it faces a tough task unseating ARM.
Intel chips are considered more power-hungry than ARM processors, but Intel is aiming to establish a beachhead in the market as it advances its manufacturing process to make faster, more efficient chips.
AR is one way to help. Lots of developers are working on AR – although they are mostly reluctant to reveal too much about their specific apps.
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Hardware AR could be quite a boon for these developers. There must be a number of studios who have good ideas in this area but don’t want to spend research and development costs on getting the core technology to work.
A hardware-based platform approach could change all that.
As with so much else, gaming is ahead of the curve when it comes to AR. Examples include shooters that superimpose gun sights and cockpits on reality and games based on location awareness of existing surroundings.
Other intriguing uses of AR include bringing to life anything that is printed, from catalogues and instructions to tattoos and brochures, in an engaging way.
We’ve probably all seen those clips that show some ‘dude’ being given a tattoo then is brought to life with an AR character - and the ‘dude’ lives with the tattoo for the rest of his life.
How would you explain that to the grandchildren? It’s the contemporary tech equivalent of having a telegraph pole tattooed on your arm.
With AR on the chip set, the tech could go so much further. I can imagine schoolteachers using AR to illustrate a mathematical formula in 3D rendering on a computer screen. So much more engaging than pen and paper.
AR on a chipset is a significant milestone and it could change the game completely in terms of widespread adoption.
Interesting times indeed.
* This blog post is written by Softtalkmobile, and is sponsored by the Intel AppUp developer program, a single channel for distributing apps to multiple devices, multiple operating systems, and multiple app stores.
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