Widespread augmented reality three to five years away

A recent report by Frost & Sullivan stated that augmented reality technology is to have a profound impact primarily on smart phones due to the ever increasing processing and memory capacity.

Speaking to AMEinfo, the Technical Insights Team at Frost & Sullivan explains that augmented reality can assist users in numerous ways through a smart phone device, but the Google glasses will facilitate these services in "a more natural and intuitive manner".

However, this will take time to develop. "This phase would take many more years to become reality as the use of Google glasses requires extremely complex and robust materials, data processing, wireless communications, image processing and visualisation amongst many other things," Frost & Sullivan technology analysts reveal.

"Hence, we expect around 3-5 years for these glasses to be widely accepted and be priced according to the market affordability."

Google unveiled Project Glass last month

Last month Google released a video explaining the plans it had developed through Project Glass, in which a user was seen wearing augmented reality glasses which flashed information directly into his field of vision. The project is being developed at the company's Google X lab and although no launch date has been revealed, the glasses have already caused a stir among tech enthusiasts.

"We think technology should work for you -- to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don't," Google explained when unveiling the glasses.

Some have questioned the safety of using such a device, asking whether people can receive information directly into their vision and concentrate properly on where they are walking as one example. However, there may be some other technical limitations to the technology.

"One of the drawbacks that we foresee is the data crunch or network strain on wireless network infrastructure induced by AR services. As real-time data is required extensively by each mobile user, it could inevitably cause severe damage on the wireless networks. As AR is synonym to real-time data, any delays could invoke poor services and hinder the full potential of AR services," the Frost & Sullivan Technology Insights Team state.

Augmented reality contact lenses expected in future

This technology is still in its infancy, and has a long way to evolve. The next logical step according to Frost & Sullivan is for the glasses to be ditched in favour of contact lenses. "As demonstrated by Google, AR services could be transmitted via glasses. In the longer run, Frost & Sullivan forecasts AR services being delivered to the users on contact lenses. The miniaturisation of processing chips and display components could eventually render this technology on contact lenses to become reality in the future," the analysts say.

The firm also states that portable projected images via ubiquitous display panels could be used for outdoor advertising. In these situations countless data information is augmented to users while they are going about their daily routines.

The introduction of augmented reality appears to be inevitable. The opportunities using the technology are endless, with a better user experience at the forefront. The main concern for designers and manufacturers of augmented reality products now is that network infrastructures can keep up.