Technology enthusiasts have followed mixed reality technology for years but the more relaxed technologists will soon become aware of the technology as it moves into the main stream. What makes mixed reality so interesting is its potential to rewrite the rules of how we interact with mobile computers and the world around us.
For those non tech enthusiasts, augmented reality and augmented virtuality are the two technologies that comprise mixed reality, which integrates the real world with the virtual world. Augmented reality layers data on top of real-time images, similar to a heads up display in a fighter pilot's helmet or the first down line superimposed on our TV during a Sunday afternoon football game(that's American football for the international crowd). Augmented virtuality is the ability for users to interact with a virtual environment using hand gestures. The Nintendo Wii is a good example.
Mixed reality may be more fit for sci-fi movies than today's cell phone market but the potential is very compelling. Imagine using real hand gestures to manipulate virtual data projected onto the real world. It might look like the "SixthSense" project from MIT labs.
Four technology and industry trends are converging to make breakthrough user interfaces more plausible:
1) Advancements in low level software on chip-sets is allowing visual inputs to be processed much closer to the hardware, improving performance.
2) Video cameras on phones have seen tremendous penetration and are becoming standard features. Ubiquitous video cameras provide inputs for mixed reality applications.
3) Accelerometers, compasses, and GPS radios are also becoming more standard on smartphones providing support for hand gestures and situational awareness.
4) Pico projectors, or miniature projectors, are beginning to be integrated into phones allowing users to project virtual data onto the real world.
The growing popularity and advancements in Adobe Flash may make Flash the software platform that fosters innovation. Flash on mobile devices provides an open source cross device platform that provides a foundation for developers to create visually intensive applications. Flash 10.1 also has features to allow accelerometer inputs providing data for more dynamic applications. Also, Adobe's announced partnerships with Nvidea and Qualcomm will get flash decoding accelerated directly on the chip-set, another development that will lead to improved performance and more compelling experiences.
While the building blocks seem to be coming together to create an innovative environment, the real breakthroughs will come from creative developers who will invent useful applications and compelling users experiences.
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