Augmented reality (AR) glasses
Wearables may seem like a blast from the past, but augmented reality glasses are coming back stronger than ever. It’s been long rumored that the release of these glasses would happen in 2020, but the pandemic pushed the efforts out to 2021. The use of ARKit and ARCore on mobile devices has paved the way for mobile developers to create content for such glasses. ARKit and ARCore allow developers to create seamless augmented reality experiences using mobile devices. Most notably when opting in, the technology can track the location of the devices and accurately places the AR experience in the space. When the glasses finally hit the market, many applications should be available to be explored.
What parents need to know: The use of high-end AR headsets has been around for the past few years, but the transition to affordable, functional AR wearables, or glasses, that provide immediate information is the future. Forget researching in your browser, but immediately view relevant information using augmented reality. Translate a menu into your preferred language or get visual walking directions in a new city with AR layered guidance. We can move beyond information available at our fingertips and into viewing anything we need to know without having to change our daily lives.
The trend: 3D scanning with lidar technology
Our current mobile devices provide many immersive experiences through augmented and virtual applications. Lidar technology uses the camera to define 3D mapping by using a laser and sensor to determine how close or far away objects are. The data then translates into 3D objects and scenery, so a 3D scanner is available for our mobile devices. Lidar provides relevant information to enhance such activities as lip reading and body language.
What parents need to know: We see this technology already taking shape in autonomous vehicles and drones. Still, it can expand to space exploration, meteorology, oceanology, forensics, and much more. Imagine scanning a national monument and delivering it to the middle of our classrooms. Children can “walk” on the moon, easily and accurately measure objects around them, explore a humpback whale to scale, and watch snow fall from the ceiling to the floor, table and chairs.
More immersive experiences without apps
A low-profile technology that’s integrated into many browsers is WebXR. Beginning as WebVR, the technology made VR accessible through the browser without the requirement of downloading an application. Fast forward to now: The technology has advanced to augmented and virtual reality, making WebXR an appealing option for developers. The benefit of this technology is creating simplified access to immersive experiences within the browser. The technology may not be as robust as downloading applications, but allowing almost anyone to join in an immersive activity by merely clicking a link is appealing for the developer and the consumer. WebXR is growing in potential and is anticipated to become more of the norm.
What parents need to know: Virtual connections are beginning to feel more realistic than ever before using WebXR. Without the barriers of operating system requirements, updates, cross-platform compatibility and device storage, to name a few, we now have the flexibility to immediately use immersive technology in our browsers. Now our children can easily join VR meeting spaces or compete in an augmented reality scavenger hunt by simply tapping a link.
More help with digital parenting
A recent study found that millennial parents want more help from media and tech companies when it comes to digital parenting. When schools closed, video conference apps helped provide virtual learning portals. For example, The New York Times and Verizon teamed up to give teachers and students a free subscription to the digital magazine.
Many of these new ed-tech trends and resources are low cost or on our mobile devices today. It’s important that we proactively provide the opportunities for our children to explore the technology of their future. The foundational skills to explore, understand and create using these technologies could be vital for careers that are just beginning to develop today. And use of these tools should be practiced at school and home to foster an enthusiasm and passion in emerging technologies. In 2021, educational technology will continue to spark creativity, innovation and connections for a brighter future, which can’t come soon enough!
Verizon pledges to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training and 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030. Learn more about our new responsible business plan to drive economic, environmental and social advancement with Citizen Verizon.
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