Author: Christiana Polycarpou

We’ve seen some interesting ways that augmented reality can inform purchasing decisions by superimposing products into our living rooms and even into our mouths (hello million-dollar smile).

Augmented reality technologies promise to transform how we learn, make decisions, and interact with the physical world. In this package we explain what AR is, how its applications are evolving, and why it’s so important.

The ubiquity of smartphones and 4G networks in the last decade have changed our society and economy in dramatic ways. The most visible way in which society has transformed is that it’s become commonplace to see people staring at tiny 2D screens in their hands while tapping, pinching, and swiping on mobile content.

Imagine grocery shopping with a set of glasses that directs you to your preferred items on the shelf, or repairing your car with help from an expert technician who virtually comes into your garage to walk you through the fix. Imagine visiting the Louvre Museum in France with your kids, without ever setting foot on an airplane.

Augmented reality may be a big part of the future of shopping. Mastercard, Osterhout Design Group, and Qualcomm have created a prototype retail experience that incorporates augmented reality glasses, iris authentication, and seamless mobile payments.