Rob and Christen explore examples of augmented reality, like Rob’s AR girlfriend, then realize they don’t agree on what AR is versus VR. Has convergence made everything mixed reality these days? Rob also shares his idea for a taco personality test.
Augmented reality (AR) is something we encounter fairly regularly on our phones. When we shop online, use Snapchat, and even when we ask Google for walking directions apps map additional information over our camera views to provide an “augmented” view of reality.
Verner Vinge describes a near-future vision of AR in his book Rainbows End and how people interact with each other and information when AR has become mainstream. Some other compelling technological developments he imagines in this future include:
- Wearables
- Trust networks
- Community-contributed content
Other stuff we mention in this episode:
- Rob’s AR girlfriend is from Replika.
- Rob’s Gruening documentary
- The Northern Renaissance awesomeness of ScorpionDagger
- Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle (the correct book title versus the incorrect title Christen tried to remember)
Things that blew our minds this week
Rob shares about the Monopoly Study in which two research participants play monopoly. One starts with lots of money and the other does not. The subject that starts the game with the most money wins (of course) but neither participant attributes this win to the dynamics of monetary advantage/disadvantage.
Christen discovers that graphene fabric has superior thermal and conductive properties, which make it ideal for technical applications as well as smart clothing. It also repels mosquitos. Read more about what graphene can do and how it might be ideal for integrating wearables into clothing. While we wait for all this innovation to develop, SpeedWarm is available to consumers now. Consider it a Snuggie made from the magical properties of graphene.
Note: Find updates mentioned about our episode on autocorrect at the show notes for that episode.