Category: Technology News

New augmented reality system revealed by Marine Corps

Augmented reality system could change the way soldiers are trained

The U.S. Marine Corps has revealed a new prototype training system that makes use of augmented reality. The augmented reality system is meant to provide soldiers with a more immersive experience while training, better preparing them for what they may experience in an actually combat environment. Augmented reality has become quite popular in the military industry because of its potential to change warfare. The technology has begun expanding beyond the boundaries of novelty and has become something that can be used effectively in practical applications.

System provides digital experience in lieu of real world events

The Marine Corps’ Augmented Immersive Team Training (AITT) system represents a five-year research project that is being conducted by the Office of Naval Research. This project also includes augmented reality training systems for the Army. The AITT system is lightweight, portable, and does not require a user to be contained within a virtual reality facility. A head-mounted device equipped with a variety of sensors is used to allow the user to see digital content superimposed over the real world. A backpack containing the augmented Marine Core Augmented Realityreality system is linked to the head-mounted device.

Augmented reality system garners favor through demonstration

The system first maps the terrain in which a soldier will be trained. After this process is complete, augmented reality experiences can be embedded wherever necessary. The system was demonstrated earlier this month in New Jersey, where it garners favor from observers. The augmented reality system is praised for its potential ability to provide soldiers with an immersive experience that does not require significant funding to replicate. Because the training is conducted digitally, the military can save money on fabricating the elaborate training exercises that are needed to ensure soldiers are adequately prepared for real combat.

Military continues to show favor for augmented reality

Augmented reality is becoming more attractive to the world’s various military organizations. The technology is currently being tested in South Korea and could soon find a place in other nations looking to upgrade their military with new technologies. While the U.S. military is currently interested in using augmented reality for training purposes, the technology is likely to be used for other, more advanced purposes in the future.

Qualcomm throws sponsorship behind AllJoyn contest

AllJoyn aims to spark innovation in NFC applications

Prolific technology company Qualcomm has been revealed as a sponsor in the AllJoyn app contest, which is part of the company’s continuing campaign to spark innovation in the world of mobile applications. The contest tasks app developed to create new software using the AllJoyn platform, an open-source framework that allows for peer-to-peer interaction. Qualcomm has sponsored the contest with $170,000, which will be awarded to the developer that creates the most innovative mobile application for the competition.

AllJoyn platform provides framework for NFC apps

The AllJoyn platform facilitates device-to-device communications through the use of NFC technology. As part of the competition, app developers are encouraged to create new applications that make use of NFC technology is some way. The most commoQualcommn use of NFC technology lies in the realm of mobile commerce, where the technology is often used to facilitate transactions. NFC has seen some use in marketing, but Qualcomm is eager to see the boundaries of the technology pushed beyond its conventional uses.

NFC holds potential as data transfer mechanism

NFC technology holds a great deal of potential for wireless data transfer. Some companies have been using the technology to allow consumers to control electronic appliances without having to physically touch them. NFC chips have also been used to memorize the personal preferences of a consumer, thus activating an electronic device according to the parameters established by a consumer when the chip is activated by a mobile device. Qualcomm expects to see a wide variety of NFC-based applications come from the AllJoyn competition.

Availability of NFC-enabled devices still low

One of the largest problems facing NFC technology is the relative scarcity of NFC-enabled mobile devices. Telecommunications companies are eager to introduce new smart phones with NFC capabilities in order to capitalize on the booming interest surrounding mobile commerce, but the majority of these products are not expected to be released very soon. Without NFC-enabled mobile devices, the use of NFC applications is expected to be severely limited.