Augmented Reality Is the Next Best Step in Entertainment Technology

With an ever-increasing need to push the limits of what is technically possible, augmented reality is the new thing on the block.

Ever since the genius idea of Pokemon GO, which arrived in the summer of 2016, augmented reality has truly taken hold of the tech industry. We now have Microsoft’s Hololens 1 and 2, Oculus, Magic Leap One, and so on. More than ever, customers are keen to put on a pair of glasses or one of the headsets, in order to have a more immersive experience with whatever they are interested in.

However, there is still one downside in current day A.R.; wearing something over our head and eyes. Today, we have computers so advanced that we can create complete worlds with computer-generated imagery (CGI) often tricking even the savviest viewers into believing what they see. Yet we still haven’t figured out a way to make holographic A.R., generated directly from computers, just like in our favorite science fiction films. While Pokemon Go was wonderfully inventive, when a player finally arrived at the right location, there was nothing there in real life. The only magic was that of an image on their iPhones and one that wasn’t truly in 3D.

If the tech companies can accomplish this feat, then it’s highly likely that augmented reality will finally become a reality.

Images and worlds will now be three-dimensional. We will be able to view, study and even walk around objects in our own home since they will be projected directly in front of us. This advancement in tech would be highly beneficial for many aspects of the entertainment industry and could help people save time as well.

If an actor can’t make an interview in time, perhaps they can audition via hologram from inside their home, or even inside of their car, if the device is up to snuff. Appearing in 3D while being in a different location might not completely make up for the fact that that person isn’t there in the flesh, but would they truly need to be? If the technology is clear enough, a casting director would be able to tell whether that person was right for the role or not. Considering the ever-increasing traffic nightmare in America and especially in the Los Angeles area, this might be a more convenient alternative to having to appear in person.

The big question, of course, is what will it cost? Will iPhones and home computers double in price? Will content creators charge more due to the cost of implementing hologram technology? Also, will this be the future of film, possibly overtaking the need to go to a cinema for entertainment?

With the pandemic and other hygiene issues dominating the world today, will people continue to want to sit in a large room with complete strangers and watch a film together, or is the idea of doing this at home more pleasing?

After all, if the technology becomes so advanced, it might be possible to interact with your favorite actors as they appear all around you in your living room, or even outside, depending on the type of device you’re using. Even online creators could use this technology to feel closer to their customers and fans.

When it comes to making a film, would new content need to be lensed on a particular A.R. camera, or maybe current day digital cameras, or would that be down to the computers that are used during post-production?

We’ve all seen those funny videos on YouTube of people wearing VR headsets, and either walking into walls, furniture or falling over (Yes, I laughed too.) But would non-headset technology be almost too real? Even if we have a full visual field of information around us since there would be no obscuring of our eyes, would we find ourselves believing that what is in front of us is real, to the point where it tricks us into engaging with the images at a harmful level? If virtual reality can trick people, then surely three-dimensional reality via hologram could do the same.

Maybe Metaverse creator Mark Zuckerberg will have answers in regard to this question. His ideas are at the forefront today, and his Metaverse might eventually join with other companies to accomplish hologram entertainment. A combo of VR and projected holograms.

While the idea of going to the cinema to watch a film will never get old or boring for many, the next jump is to bring the cinema to our own homes, to bring the adventure right into our rooms, something that looks tangible, despite not being so. An experience that can make us feel less alone, as invasive as it might sound to some. This reality is closer than we realize.

J. Michael Collins has over twenty years of experience as a professional voice actor working with some of the biggest companies, brands, sports leagues, and organizations in the world. He has become recognized as a leading voice talent coach and voice-over demo producer as well. J. Michael has won numerous awards as a voice actor, demo producer, scriptwriter, and casting director.