Redefining Reality: Advancements in Augmented Reality Technology

1. Genesis of Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality forges an integral part of the 21st century digital lingo, yet it’s roots date back to the mid-20th century. Ivan Sutherland, a computer science pioneer, unveiled the “ultimate display” concept in 1968; a virtual system that could overlay computer graphics into the physical world. Since then, AR gradually infiltrated everyday life, from gaming and social media filters, to complex medical procedures and military training.

2. Embracing the AR Era: Today’s Perspectives

AR accelerates past its infancy stage at an impressive pace. Major tech companies are investing heavily in developing AR capabilities, advancing far beyond Pikachu-chasing in Pokémon Go, towards more practical, ground-breaking uses. For example, Google launched “ARCore,” a platform for building AR experiences on Android, while Apple stepped ahead with “ARKit” for iOS.

3. From High Tech to High Street: AR Applications

The applications of AR extend far beyond gimmicky smartphone games. Complex, deep-dive explorations of our solar system are now possible with AR embedment in education. Healthcare providers are using AR for accurate diagnostics and simulated surgical environments, improving patient outcomes. The retail sector rides the AR wave too, offering customers virtual try-ons and home decor simulations.

4. Pricing the Future: AR Market Forecast

With AR going mainstream, it’s anticipated to generate a revenue exceeding $120 billion by 2022. From Google Glass to Microsoft’s HoloLens, these high-powered AR headsets cater to a niche, professional audience, usually priced between $2,500 and $3,500. Meanwhile, software-based AR experiences on smartphones cater to a mass market, enabling tech giants to profit indirectly through premium, AR-supported apps and services.

5. Ahead of the AR-curve: The Road Ahead

The future of AR shines bright, beaming with endless potential. As technology improves, AR will become increasingly immersive, intuitive, and integral to work, education, entertainment, and even social interaction. While there are still hurdles like latency and user comfort to overcome, the march of progress is a testament to technology’s ability to redefine reality, one state-of-the-art step at a time.

Technology undoubtedly evolves at a breakneck pace, but augmenting reality has shifted the gear to warp speed. It’s a throwback to Sutherland’s vision of the “ultimate display”, a future where the digital world doesn’t replace the physical, but rather, enhances it. The magic that Augmented Reality brings along is not just in its technological prowess, but in its potential for creating a kaleidoscope of experiences limited only by our imagination. The days of science fiction are behind us, the future is here - augmented, redefined, and ready for exploration.