3 Reading: “This is how augmented reality will reshape our future”

 Read the following article and then do the tasks.

A
If you’ve ever played Pokemon Go, tried decorating your home using the IKEA app, used
those wacky Snapchat filters or tried different styles of makeup using the L’Oreal app, then
you have had a brief encounter with Augmented Reality (AR). AR is a digital experience that
combines real-world surroundings with computer-generated sensory input, like sound,
graphics or video. AR differs from other digital experiences, like artificial intelligence (AI) and
virtual reality (VR), in that it doesn't create a completely separate digital world. Instead, AR
enhances real-world surroundings by adding digital elements like computer graphics,
interactive experiences and information.
This new technology is transforming every facet of life to a great extent. Here are some of
the ways AR is already changing our everyday lives.

B
We all dream of living in the perfectly designed house that boasts of our style and statement.
With the augmented reality, that dream might just come true. AR uses interactive computer-
generated images, enabling the buyers to envision the finished property while it is still under
construction. The benefit of this technology in the real estate industry is that it can transform
all 2D models such as blueprints and photos into 3D models for buyers to easily interact with.
Builders and real estate agents will find it convenient to display the properties with such an
engaging experience. And not just that, interested buyers can also modify the colour,
furniture, room sizes and more based on what they would want the completed design to look
like. Envisioning your completed property with AR even before it is built is an advantageous
marketing tool for selling a property.

C
Consumers are also using AR to get more information about the products they're interested
in. For example, IKEA Place is an app that lets users see how furniture would look in their
homes before buying it.
This type of AR experience is not only convenient but it can also help people make better
purchasing decisions by allowing them to see how a product will look and fit in their space.
Other retailers are also starting to experiment with AR shopping experiences. For example,
Sephora has an app called Sephora Virtual Artist that lets users try on makeup by using
facial recognition technology.
Augmented reality can be used to track consumer behavior, which can help businesses
better understand how buyers interact with their products and services. This allows
businesses to customize and maintain content through content management systems based
on the information they collect from AR.
These new shopping experiences made possible by AR are likely to change the way you
shop in the future by making it easier to purchase products.

D
Like every industry that is leveraging the benefits of AR, the travel and tourism industry has
also witnessed tremendous growth with this emerging technology. AR is playing a crucial
role in transforming the tourism landscape and boosting travel experiences for tourists.
In today’s fast-paced world, travelers love the ease of searching and booking tours on the go.
So, if you want to catch a traveler’s attention in a sea of widely varying travel applications,
AR-based travel apps can come in handy by offering a unique competitive advantage.
Instead of replacing the real world elements like Virtual Reality does; AR overlays digital
components over real ones to render a rich and visually appealing experience of the existing
places. AR for the travel industry is not just about the fun factor, but also adds an educational
element for the travelers.
E
While people are getting used to being transported into the world of 3D that does not really
exist with Virtual Reality headsets, AR is already being used in the pharma and healthcare
industry, to save lots of lives. However, that is not all. Augmented reality can be of major
assistance to healthcare organizations in helping them perfect their existing processes,
ranging from simple medical procedures to more complex surgical ones. Taking blood or
varicose vein treatment is already being improved by AR technology. Devices such
as AccuVein can assist doctors by illuminating the veins on a patient’s skin so that a vein is
easily located before inserting the needle.
In addition to routine procedures, AR can also aid in providing surgeons with quicker access
to information, without having to shift their attention from their patient. Vital information can
be shown in the doctor’s eyeline while they operate, allowing the doctor to focus with all
relevant information about the procedure at hand and can help in reducing patient
complications.

F
Augmented reality in the educational sector could be a huge game changer towards how
children learn. The technology will provide students with immersive content that will help
them understand the concepts. With the help of engaging 3D models, students can grasp
complex information in an easier manner providing them with a wider understanding of
topics.
In our dynamic day and age, augmented reality let museums and historical sites incorporate
AR features to their exhibits to stay at par with technology. This is a great way for people to
explore and gain additional informative knowledge. AR is all about exploration, which
eventually leads students towards learning and understanding. This is a win-win for both
technology and the educational industry.

G
There is no doubt that Augmented Reality will reshape more than just these five industries.
As devices adapt to the new technology, the growth of Augmented Reality is exponentially
huge. With so many positive advantages, AR could fundamentally change what it is to be
human.

A Mark the following statements as True, False or Not Given.

1 Using AR, buyers can conceive what a home design will look before it is completed. True
2 What looks good in blueprints is not usually well translated into practice. Not Given
3 When purchasing online, it’s uncertainty that stops buyers from buying products. False
4 AR tries to recreate and substitute real-life environment with a virtual one. False
5 By leveraging the power of AR, travelers can find the experience of information searching
more entertaining True
6 AR will provide surgeons with pertinent information of the risks involved with minimally

invasive surgeries and help them perform effectivel True

7 AR allows students to master complex subjects and enhance their knowledge in an
immersive way. True
B Find in the article words having similar meanings to the following:
1 strange in a pleasing and exciting or silly way wacky
2 using something that you already have in order to achieve something new or better
leveraging
3 situations causing difficulty or trouble. challenges
4 a thing that significantly affects the outcome of something. game changer