This was the first time that the augmented reality headset had been used for this purpose.
For the very first time ever, a surgeon in China used a Google Glass headset device to broadcast the full procedure of an orthopedic surgery so that it could be viewed, live, by his colleagues in other parts of Asia, as well as in Europe, on their tablets and smartphones.
The surgery was conducted by a highly known and reputable orthopedic surgeon at a hospital in China.
The surgery was conducted by an expert in the reattachment of limbs that have been severed. The doctor wore the Google Glass augmented reality device in order to be able to live-cast the complete procedure using the 500 megapixel camera of the wearable technology gadget. While this event may have been only the first of its kind, recent reports have been suggesting that this could be situation that becomes increasingly common in the future.
The hospital is currently in talks to help to expand the use of Google Glass and other forms of mobile technology.
Technology news reports – such as those in the Wenwei newspaper, which is state operated – have stated the Shanghai 6th People’s Hospital is currently in discussions with app developers in order to be able to broaden the exploration of the possibility of interactions between humans and machines, on site in the hospital. Among the possibilities that could be among those being discussed is the ability to conduct surgical procedures through the help of 3D images that are displayed in augmented reality while wearing AR glasses.
The surgeon’s name is Chen Yunfeng. While he is not the first to use augmented reality glasses in the operating room, he is the first one to use them in order to transmit a live broadcast to doctors in other locations such as other continents.
The medical industry is among those that is seeing the most potential for Google Glass. There are an increasing number of reports being released as various doctors and hospitals come up with new and clever ways to use the technology in order to improve the healthcare that they are able to provide.
The US pharmacy chain is piloting a marketing platform that gives shoppers the chance to earn rewards.
Walgreens is testing a marketing platform in its stores that uses technology developed by Aisle411, the in-store mapping and reward provider, and Google’s Project Tango 3D augmented reality technology, which enables shoppers to find a specific product, receive directions to the proper aisle and earn rewards as they go about their shopping.
Shoppers can enjoy a three dimensional image of their route and receive personalized coupons.
The technology that Walgreens is using from Aisle411for its pilot program gives customers the opportunity to collect loyalty rewards by simply walking down certain aisles. It also allows for personalized offers, coupons and rewards to “pop out” of the shelf while customers walk around the store. Additionally, it provides them with a 3D image of the path they are taking. The augmented reality view is provided by a Project Tango device that has been placed on a shopping cart.
Walgreens Director of Mobile Commerce Tim McCauley said, “When we saw Aisle411 were working with Google Project Tango to create immersive mobile experiences inside a store, we immediately knew this was something we had to be a part of building.” He added, “It’s going to be very exciting to see how this evolves the future of the shopping experience.”
The augmented reality shopping experience is expected to be tested by more merchants in the future.
According to Aisle411, the shopping locations that will be piloting the technology will have devices that are available in-store for shoppers to use. They will be working with Walgreens to test the devices in certain markets throughout the United States. Some of the selected locations include Chicago, New York, St. Louis and Seattle.
Furthermore, the CEO of Aisle411, Nathan Pettyjohn, stated that shoppers in today’s world are occupied by and interacting with their mobile devices while they are shopping. They are “digital savvy” and clever and because of this it is vital that retailers provide their customers with the right tools to keep their shopping experience engaging. Pettyjohn believes the new application will make shopping fun for consumers and that it is sure to engage all who use it.
Presently, over 12,500 merchants throughout the US use the augmented reality marketing platform and more retailers are anticipated to test it.
