Augmented Reality: Unboxing Tech's Next Big Thing

Augmented reality (AR) is the next big thing in tech, offering a pervasive, invisible interface between the world and our senses. Mark Pesce's book explores the exciting and beneficial features of AR, as well as the issues and risks raised by this still-emerging technology. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the growing influence of this impressive but deeply concerning technology, as reality will never be the same.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2020
Publisher: Polity Press

Augmented reality (AR) is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world. It promises to bring screens out of our hands and wrap them around the world, creating a pervasive, invisible interface between our senses and the digital realm. AR has the incredible capacity to reveal hidden digital depths, offering a new level of immersion and interactivity. However, this technology also comes with significant risks to our privacy, property, and reality.

In his book, Mark Pesce, a renowned expert in the field of augmented reality, delves into the exciting and beneficial features of AR as well as the issues and risks raised by this still-emerging technology. With over thirty years of experience, Pesce provides a comprehensive exploration of AR, offering insights that are essential for anyone interested in the growing influence of this impressive but deeply concerning technology.

One of the most exciting aspects of AR is its ability to enhance our perception of the world. By overlaying digital information onto our surroundings, AR can provide real-time updates, directions, and even entertainment. It can also be used in educational settings to create immersive learning experiences and in healthcare to provide virtual training and remote consultations.

However, the benefits of AR come at a cost to our privacy. As we increasingly rely on AR technology, we are surrendering more and more personal data to companies and governments. This data can be used for targeted advertising, surveillance, and even identity theft. Moreover, AR technology can be used to track our movements and monitor our behavior, raising concerns about privacy and autonomy.

Another issue raised by AR is the potential for it to shape our perception of reality. As we become more immersed in AR experiences, we may start to rely on them more than our own senses. This can lead to a loss of critical thinking skills and a reliance on technology to navigate the world. It can also create a sense of detachment from the real world, as we spend more time in virtual environments.

Property rights are also a concern with AR. As digital content is increasingly intertwined with our physical surroundings, it can be difficult to determine who owns what. This can lead to disputes over ownership and access to digital assets. Moreover, AR technology can be used to create virtual property that does not exist in the physical world, raising questions about the boundaries of property ownership and the legal implications of such virtual assets.

Reality itself is also at risk with AR. As we augment our perception of the world, we may start to lose touch with the natural world and the physical reality that surrounds us. This can lead to a loss of connection to nature and a disregard for the environment. It can also create a sense of disorientation and confusion, as we struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is not.

In conclusion, augmented reality is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to transform the way. However, it also comes with significant risks to our privacy, property, and reality. As we continue to explore the potential of AR, it is essential to be aware of these risks and to take steps

steps to mitigate them. This includes promoting transparency and accountability in the use of AR technology, protecting our personal data and privacy, and ensuring that AR is developed and deployed in a way that is ethical and responsible. By doing so, we can ensure that AR remains a powerful tool for innovation and progress while also preserving the values and principles that define our human experience.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509540945