Augmented Reality and the impact it will have on the future

“The future is now” says Tim Cook, Apple CEO. “I think that one day we will wonder how we ever lived without it,” Cook says of augmented reality. “We can have a much more enhanced conversation with the power of AR.” 

AR or augmented reality is a new technology that is being developed by tech companies and people across the world. The new technology allows for real time interaction with objects or scenes that are viewed through a technological lens. For example, airports are harnessing the power of AR to create "smart glasses" which give airport ground staff enhanced abilities to organize packages and identify where they go. This technology allows "a ground handler loading cargo onto a plane [to] now "see" and scan a virtual QR code displayed on cargo or baggage containers, and through the glasses instantly view the details of its weight, loading sequence and allocated position within the aircraft." This technology is a game changer for helping ground handlers maximize their efficiency in loading packages on a plane. As time grows longer, it is very likely to see this new type of technology adapted in other airports.

Moreover, more consumer companies like Target are also ultiziling the positive benefits of AR. Now instead of customers wondering if the product they buy fits in their room, they can use AR to see exactly how it fits in their home. Target calls the feature "See It In Your Space" and users can easily access it through their Target app. "You can literally use it to see what a piece of furniture would look like in your home" says a user of the app. This new technology is limited however as only a select few pieces of furniture can be accurately displayed in your home. Target plans to expand their augmented reality objects for users to select from in the coming years.

The U.S. military is also using AR to give soldiers an upper hand on the battle field. The Integrated Visual Augmentation System was tested in a 72 hour training mission with Marines at Fort Pickett, VA. During this exercise the soldiers tested a nighttime trench clearing exercise. Instead of only using night vision goggles for this exercise, the soldiers were equipped with a special AR goggle they would level up their performance. It was reported that the soldiers "...also had micro-drones that they could launch and view through the goggle, conducting their own shortrange reconnaissance of an obstacle before taking on the opposing force." These goggles give the Marines a heads up display which shows them "a weapons sights view, compass headings, friendly and enemy positions, as well as delivering night vision and thermal sights in one package." This AR technology can be a game changer for the military. This can really give them the upper hand when fighting against the enemy and if AR becomes more developed this technology can become more adapted throughout the military branches.

I agree with Tim Cook who said that this technology will make us think one day how we ever lived without it. As this technology is worked on and used more, I think we will see greater applications of AR that can help in nearly every aspect of life. 

Light Bright and Polite Chapter 7 reveals some tactical tips for those who use social media on a regular basis. It focuses on communications in the social media world and how to properly communicate and avoid pitfalls and mistakes many others make. The first topic discussed is privacy. Most people don't realize that when they use another companies server or are connected to a WiFi other than their own, they are pulling resources from that companies server and their digital footprint can be tracked. Even if a worker brings their own laptop to work because they are concerned for privacy, the tech people who manage the Internet can still access details to that person's laptop. Therefore, it is imperative that users treat their own devices like a companies device when they are connected to another WiFi.

It is also important to communicate emails in a professional manner. There is a lot of wisdom to share for such a broad topic but the main idea is to write in a way that honors etiquette, respect, and straightforwardness. For example Ochs recommends to "omit extraneous details as well as any comments you wouldn't want others to see". You want to be concise but not over the top. You should additionally write emails with a spell check enabled so it shows your attention to detail and professionalism. Another important tip is write emails like you are speaking with that recipient face to face. Murmuring, complaining, and ranting in an email should emphatically be avoided. Constructive feedback should be ministered in a polieteful and respectful manner.

Likewise, some emails should not be written at all. I recommend testing your emails using the T.H.I.N.K. test which says

• Is it true?
• Is it helpful?
• Is it inspiring?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it kind?

If one of these areas are violated, the email should be rewritten or not sent at all. Ochs recommends assuming your supervisor sees everything you are writing to them which can also be useful.

This chapter provides common sense and practical tips for writing your best emails and will give one extra insight how to write professionally. 

Next week I will present the DJI Fly app. This app allows me to use my DJI Mini to complete missions. As a Part 107 remote pilot, this tool makes my iPhone the interface I interact with to control my drone. I can take pictures, shoot videos, change the camera settings, see my altitude and distance, and much more. DJI is one of the best professional drone brands a remote pilot can purchase and I think this app is something people would be interested seeing.