Augmented Reality (AR) is a fascinating technology that, put simply, alters your perception of the real-world with computer-generated images and sounds. If that doesn’t clearly explain the concept, don’t worry. AR is something better understood through demonstration. If you own a smartphone–such an iPhone–you can experience augmented reality through a variety of apps. For example, Yelp, an app that provides reviews of local restaurants and other businesses, features an AR mode using the iPhone camera. When activated, it uses your GPS and compass data to overlay the location of restaurants and other business on the camera image (see right).
Pretty neat, huh? Now AR technology is making it’s way to t-shirts in a variety of applications. The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) recently did a campaign in Russia featuring AR-enabled t-shirts that simulated the wearing getting shot. Why? To raise awareness of needless poaching of wild tigers. Check the video about the campaign:
Here’s another example. This shirt appears to project a video on the wearer as seen in this video:
And finally, this video shows a t-shirt with which you can compete in a game of Paper Rock Scissors!
These are just a handful of examples where Augmented Reality is being implemented in t-shirts and other clothing. It’s an exciting technology that will no doubt become more and more impressive as it evolves.