When Did AR Come Out?
Augmented Reality (AR) has become an integral part of our daily lives, from gaming to education and beyond. But when did this revolutionary technology first come out? Let’s delve into the history and evolution of AR to find out.
Early Roots of Augmented Reality
The concept of AR dates back to the 1960s, with the first known AR system developed by Ivan Sutherland at the University of Utah. This system, called “Sword of Damocles,” was a head-mounted display that allowed users to interact with a virtual environment superimposed on the real world.
However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that AR started to gain traction. One of the key milestones was the development of the “Virtual Retinal Display” (VRD) by Tom Caudell and David Mizell at Boeing. This technology allowed for the creation of AR applications that could be used in real-time.
The Rise of AR in the Early 2000s
The early 2000s saw a significant increase in the development of AR applications. One of the most notable examples was the “ARToolKit,” an open-source software library for creating AR applications. This toolkit made it easier for developers to create AR experiences and contributed to the growth of the AR community.
During this period, AR started to find its way into various industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. For instance, in healthcare, AR was used to assist surgeons during operations, providing them with real-time information about the patient’s condition.
The iPhone and the Commercialization of AR
One of the most significant events in the history of AR was the release of the first iPhone in 2007. The iPhone’s built-in camera and accelerometer made it possible to develop AR applications that could be used on a mass scale.
One of the first popular AR applications was “ARIS” (A Real-Time Interactive System), which allowed users to overlay virtual objects on the real world using their iPhone’s camera. This app demonstrated the potential of AR in entertainment and gaming.
The Emergence of AR in the Late 2010s
The late 2010s marked a new era for AR, with the rise of mobile AR applications and the introduction of new AR hardware. One of the most notable developments during this period was the release of the “Pok茅mon Go” game in 2016, which became a global phenomenon and helped to popularize AR among the general public.
Additionally, companies like Microsoft and Apple started to invest heavily in AR technology, releasing their own AR hardware and software platforms. Microsoft’s HoloLens and Apple’s ARKit were among the key players in this space, pushing the boundaries of what AR could achieve.
The Current State of AR
Today, AR is a rapidly evolving field with a wide range of applications. From virtual try-ons in retail to immersive gaming experiences, AR is becoming an integral part of our daily lives.
One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the integration of AR with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). This has led to the creation of new AR applications that can solve real-world problems, such as virtual assistance in manufacturing and remote collaboration in healthcare.
Here’s a table summarizing some key milestones in the history of AR: