Augmented reality (AR) is the addition of components to an actual object or space that alters or enhances how we view or interact with that object and is achieved using computer generated imagery.Unlike virtual reality that allows us to mentally immerse ourselves into a virtual world (world or environment created as the result of someone’s imagination), AR actually alters the way we view, hear and interact with real objects.In a virtual world, we would immerse ourselves by gaming as avatars, interacting with others in real time and sometimes even personalising/creating the environments that we frequent. Virtual reality is generally fantasy based and the actions and inhabitants of these realms would never be found in our world as we know it.Kellogg’s, Mercedes Benz and Kia are among some of the big name brands that have rolled out campaigns and products utilising augmented reality.The AR used by Kellogg allows users to point their mobile devices (smart phones and tablets) at specially marked cereal boxes for an enhanced viewing experience. This is achieved through a free app called Aurasma owned by PC giant HP and these can be downloaded from the iStore or Google Play.Boxes of cereal look as if they magically open up into a living room scene showing the Super Bowl being played in the background, while the backs of others have pictures of kites that seem to fly off of the box. YouTube has great visuals on how the app and technology look to the end user so if you’d like to see it for yourself the URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz1wPyCKeK8 or search for Kellogg’s augmented reality on YouTube.Microsoft recently received permission to produce a patent submitted last year for a truly augmented reality program. The new technology would provide users with a 360 degree view of the game. The image would be projected on walls, floors, furniture and other elements of the gamers surrounding environment.The technology would even allow the gamer to turn and see enemies or other elements of the background as he/she plays and would be a great follow up their Kinect (Xbox 360 hands free gaming controller).Just think — this technology could be incorporated into classrooms and rather than students looking at flat images of nations far away, they could be standing in the middle of a rainforest surrounded by trees and wildlife or experiencing the Great Wall of China as if they were actually there.Like it or not, technology is shaping the way we live and interact with each other and the world around us, so let’s embrace it and learn how to use it to our advantage. Next week we’ll continue to look at other emerging technologies and how they will impact us.We’d love to know what topics you’d be interested in learning more about, so e-mail us at TechBuzz@btc.bm