Augmented reality

Augmented reality is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery - creating a mixed reality. The augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, like for example sports scores on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally usable. Artificial information about the environment and the objects in it can be stored and retrieved as an information layer on top of the real world view.

I think this is the future in "virtual reality". The typical image of a helmet and nintendo power gloves is a thing of the past. Augmented reality incorporates human's natural sensing abilities with technology rather than replacing them completely. If this is the future, I ponder what the future of the future holds. I guess that would be the future. I suppose instead of being displayed on iPods. I see a pair of glasses with this programming installed. I see governments handing these glasses to tourists. Instant tour guide. That's just one idea.