Desktop AR is a technology that enables laptop or desktop computers to create an illusion of 3D objects floating in front of a screen. It works by rendering red-blue 3D images according to the user's viewing positions. The users can download and play with Desktop AR apps by using their computer, webcam, and anaglyph glasses.
Many AR enthusiasts' dream is to see virtual objects in the real world. We imagine playing games and applications where characters and icons are floating in front of us. AR glasses can offer such experience, but not many people can afford to purchase them because of its high price. AR developers cannot develop applications for AR glasses as many as they would want because only a small number of people can own these AR glasses. The end-users' willingness to purchase AR glasses is further reduced because there is only a small number of applications available to play. Unlike AR glasses, the Desktop AR setup cost is virtually free because a Desktop AR system only requires a computer and a web camera that most end-users already own. The red & blue glasses are widely available online for a few dollars. Users who want to have a full-colour experience can also use 3D monitors to improve the playing experience. Therefore, Desktop AR systems have much more potential to offer to the audience than AR glasses technology.
Similarly to Desktop AR, Mobile AR has a low cost to set up because it runs on mobile devices. Videos of mobile AR applications on the internet look impressive as they often show virtual objects integrated into the real world. However, all Mobile AR users know that the experience of using the Mobile AR technology is far less impressive than what is shown in the videos.
First, Mobile AR does not enhance the user's experience directly (if you are the person in the scenes). It indirectly enhances the videos that the user sees in a mobile device. The small display size and the lack of stereoscopic further reduce the quality of users’ experience.
Therefore, Mobile AR is commonly used as a gimmick to attract attention to videos on the internet. Unlike Mobile AR, Desktop AR directly augments the user's perception of the real world. It displays perspective-corrected images for each user's eye, creating a more immersive experience for the user. Moreover, Desktop AR is compatible with everyday computer input devices such as mouse, keyboard, 3D mouses and leap motion. The compatibility enables users to work and play with devices that they already own and use in everyday tasks.
Perception is a startup that leads the introduction of Desktop AR to the VR/AR communities. They have a collection of Desktop AR apps available on their website (https://www.holo-sdk.com/sample-apps). If you are a VR/AR enthusiast, you can download and play the apps on your computer without cost. If you are a VR/AR developer and want to explore or even start your own Desktop AR project, Perception also has an SDK called Holo-SDK for you, along with documents that will help you get started with your project (https://www.holo-sdk.com/get-started).
Contact:
Name: Sirisilp Kongsilp
Email Address: rabbit@perception.codes
Website URL: http://www.Holo-SDK.com
