Augmented reality (AR) is considered to be one of the most "sure" bets of the near future in the world of technology, however, despite the diligent efforts of many companies, its establishment is slow to come. This is what Jerry Ellsworth and Rick Johnson, former employees of Valve (Steam, Half-Life) and founders of Technical Illusions, which is behind the currently developing castAR: a system that aspires to bring AR to everyday life, combining it with virtual reality (VR), intend to change.
castAR is based on a pair of glasses that have two small projectors above their lenses. Each projector receives a video stream via an HDMI connection and then projects a portion of the 3D image onto a flat surface. Between the two lenses is a small camera that scans the surface for infrared signals, allowing the system to sense the user's head movement in relation to the images projected onto the lenses.
Its creators talk about a technology that refers to the "holodecks" of Star Trek and Star Wars, and the demonstration videos that have been posted on the Internet are admittedly impressive. CastAR also enters the field of virtual reality, as, thanks to a special extension, it allows the user to project virtual objects into the real world. At the same time, the "package" also includes a special device called Magic Wand, which functions as a 3D input device and joystick.
Regarding its potential uses, its creators estimate that it will see widespread use in gaming (especially in tabletop games, first-person shooters, and real-time strategy), however, they believe that it also has the potential to enter the business world, as a tool for presentations.
castAR entered Kickstarter to raise the required funding, and it seems that it will succeed with great ease, as one day after the start of the process it has raised $250,000, while the goal is at $400,000 and there are 30 days left for its completion.
Source: naftemporiki.gr
