Is interaction

This is a technology prediction.

Augmented reality (AR) eye-wear will be a reality in 18-24 months. My prediction is based on a couple of current trends that will dovetail in the not-to-distant future to result in a true heads-up augmented reality experience.

Firstly, we have the rise of 3D television. 3D TV demands the user wear special eye wear in order to watch in said 3D. This change in the home will acclimatize and normalize people to the experience of wearing reality enhancing glasses. Essentially, 3D glasses in the home will be the gateway to augmented reality glasses.

Next, over the following year to two year time frame augmented reality software will (hopefully) improve. The product offering itself will get better. Therefore, there will be a more compelling reason to use it. However, the current experience of using AR is difficult and socially awkward as you hold your mobile phone up in front of your face. Appropriate eye wear will alleviate this situation. I expect the AR glasses will communicate with your mobile device, either tethered or using some wireless protocol.

The remaining issue is one of interactivity. Once you see something of interest in the AR glasses, how do you further engage with it? Again, I think the answer is on the mobile device. The device will allow for user input to get more information on things of interest they see through their glasses. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the mobile device, gestural interface control may be possible, given a forward facing camera will need to be built into the glasses. This camera could be built to receive gestural input. This technology will again be familiar to the consumer market due to the adoption of gestural interface based home video gaming technology.

So there you have it. The converging trends of 3D glasses entering the consumer home; improving AR software; and advances and cultural acceptance of gestural interface technology via the video gaming experience.