Skip to main content
HomeThe Web Writer Spotlight

- News, tips, inspiration you can trust to thrive in today’s digital age.

Search form

Main menu

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Business & Economy
  • Tech & Trends
  • Health & Style
  • Arts & Culture
  • Contact Us
 

What Pokémon Go’s Popularity Reveals About the State of Technology Today

George Mathews August 2, 2016
person-holding-smartphone-pokemon-go-app-image

Pokémon Go is all the rage. It’s becoming a cultural phenomenon. If you haven’t heard about Pokémon Go, it is a free-to-play location-based augmented reality monster-hunting mobile game developed by Niantic and published by The Pokémon Company. It was released in July 2016 for iOS and Android devices, and is currently available in the US, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and now Germany.

It is hard to think of another app that has skyrocketed to such great levels of awareness only a little over a week after it was released. Pokémon GO has reportedly surpassed Twitter’s daily active users, and incredibly sees more engagement than Facebook. It took only two days after it launched to be downloaded on 5 percent of all US Android devices. According to SurveyMonkey, GO is now the biggest mobile game in U.S history.

If you doubt the popularity of the game, all you need to do is spend any time in a public location to see herds of people walking around hunting for Pokémon. The game is arguably the greatest pandemic since swine flu. People can’t seem capable of resisting its allure that entails scintillating adventures to catch Pokémon – the very same fictional cartoon characters popularized by Nintendo games in the Nineties – in the real world.

 

Blending the Real and Digital Worlds

 

Pokemon Go's blending of gaming and augmented reality (AR), which is a live view of a physical, real-world environment that is augmented or supplemented by computer generated sensory input such as graphics, sound, video or GPS data, has proved a huge success. The interesting thing about this mixture that weaves the physical and virtual worlds together is that when it involves local cities, towns, markets, shops, restaurants and so on, AR has a profound effect on the way we live, work and play.

For example, there are already stores using a Lure (a virtual object that lures Pokémon to a specific location) in order to get people to their retail locations. After posting a Lure, some restaurants have reported a boost in sales as people try and find a Pokémon in or near those eating establishments.

Another example of the impact of weaving the physical and virtual worlds together involves training. As an article on TD.org rightly observes, there’re huge opportunities for training and meeting with AR:

 “If virtual worlds are an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole that takes us to magical virtual places, AR glasses provide a lens that superimposes digital graphics over the world around you. A 3D holographic data visualization might appear on the conference table. A PowerPoint presentation might appear on the wall. Imagine a virtual teleprompter in front of a teacher; wherever she looks she can read the script.

Instructions for complex tasks can be unobtrusively superimposed via AR glasses. Team members can be playing a business simulation with a 3D game board in front of them. A mentor can guide a technician remotely through a product installation or repair.

The potential for AR glasses that you can wear everywhere is potentially many times larger than VR [Virtual Reality]. Think of VR as the PC and AR as the mobile device. VR will revolutionize learning in the classroom and office the way the PC revolutionized productivity in our offices. And AR will revolutionize learning on the go, in meetings and out in the field, the way the smartphone revolutionized mobile productivity.”

 

AR for Everybody

 

PokemonGo-players-convene.jpg

Players convened in San Francisco for a Pokemon Go event on July 20, 2016. Photo by Blair Hanley Frank

As technology becomes more advanced, people will start seeing augmented reality being used in all daily applications. MIT Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte in his enlightening book Being Digital contends that “computing is not about computers anymore. It is about living.”

Perhaps now is the time to imagine and design our virtual future, and also begin to change the way we view and interact with digital information going forward. AR is no longer about technology; it’s about defining how we want to live in the real world with this new technology and how we will design experiences that are meaningful and help advance humanity.  

There is, therefore, a real need for writers, storytellers, entrepreneurs and designers of all types to aid in defining AR’s trajectory. The technology exists, now it’s about authoring compelling content and applying meaningful experiences in this new medium.

Consider the print media that have already incorporated some AR. Wallpaper, a design, fashion and lifestyle magazine, incorporated AR by publishing an augmented reality cover and a special feature enhanced with augmented reality technology. The issue offered articles and advertisements that jumped into 3D when they were held to a webcam. This revealed more images, audio and video features that enhanced the reading experience. Imagine what this technology could do for novels?

And don’t be too surprised also if some time in the future you meet someone who explains to you that their business card isn’t just a card; it’s an augmented reality business card. You can already see a collection of augmented business card designs online, and tools like ZapWorks can help you design your own that when put in front of a webcam linked to the internet, will not only show your contact details but also a sound or video clip. Or pretty much any other digital information you want.

See Also: Here's What You Should Know About Achieving Creative Success.

 


George Mathews is a staff writer for WebWriterSpotlight.com. He is passionate about personal growth and development.


 

Share this article

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • pocket
  • email
  • hackernews
  • reddit
  • tumblr
  • whatsapp

bg_carousel_header_0.png

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER  newsletter icon.png

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe here >>

bg_carousel_header_0.png

 

You might also like...

Image for The UK's Most Haunted University

The UK's Most Haunted University

jk-rowling-twitter-account-screenshot-capture

10 Authors to Follow on Twitter for Writing Inspiration

Pizza Ordering System - Image for Best Pizza Ordering Systems

8 Best Pizza Ordering Systems (& Tips to Choose Your POS System)

Why Data Governance Has Become So Important

The Best Tips & Tools for a Successful Freelance Writing Business

hooded-hacker-laptop-cybersecurity

Hacking Experts Share Cybersecurity Advice to Protect Your Business

 

Join over 20,000 Subscribers!

And get our best content, news, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe ››

twitter.gif linkedin-gray.jpg email.gif RSS feed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most read this week


happy-couple-sunset
10 Fun Hobbies & Activities for Couples to Enjoy Together
Aria Green

The Importance of Workforce Scheduling You Should Not Ignore
Meggie Nelson

concept depicting carbon dioxide emissions impact on nature
Tackling Climate Change: The Big Companies Reducing Carbon Footprints
Delilah Roberts

Tackling Gender Challenges in the Workplace
Sarah Clara Rocio

 

Got a story or tip for us?

 

Tips_0_0_0.png

Here's how to submit it →

 

 

 

Like this content? Never miss a story!

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox.

CAPTCHA
Please check this box to prove you are a human visitor and help us prevent automated spam submissions.
 

New stories


Home Office Upgrades: Online Lenders Can Help Fund Your Office Revamp

Ella Brown September 27, 2023
OFFICE UPGRADES & REVAMPS
young-female-freelancer-working-from-home-office-upgrade-revamp-alternative-lending

Upgrading your home office can cost quite a bit, especially if you need to buy new office supplies. Luckily, online lenders can provide alternative lending options and short term loans to fund your office revamp.

Ads Copywriting: Tips to Craft the Best Ads for Mobile Marketing

Alexis Davis September 27, 2023
ADS COPYWRITING
person-using-smartphone-viewing-ad-mobile-marketing-copywriting
Mobile marketing is all-the-rage. With good ads copywriting skills, you can craft the best mobile ads and capture the attention of a wide number of mobile users and target audience.

Best Dystopian Novels of All Time That'll Rekindle Your Love of Reading

Jayson Antonio September 27, 2023
LOVE OF BOOKS
female-sitted-reading-novel-enjoyable-experience
One form of entertainment stands above the rest—reading. These classic dystopian novels – arguably best dystopian novels of all time – will spark your interest in this genre and rekindle your love of reading works of fiction.

10 Ways Resourceful People Build Resilience & Turn Failure to Success

WWS Editor September 26, 2023
RESOURCENESS & RESILIENCE
portrait-man-strong-resilient-lifting-truck-wheel
“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient,” Steve Maraboli observed. But how can you become more resilient? You can learn from the most resourceful people.

Say Goodbye to Bad Breath With Braces: 8 Tips for Fresh Breath!

Emily Taylor September 26, 2023
ORAL HEALTH CARE
woman-smiling-with-braces-teeth
Wearing braces doesn’t have to mean bad breath. By following some simple yet effective tips, you can avoid bad breath with braces and keep your breath fresh throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Amazon to Invest $4bn in ChatGPT Rival: Consider AI As Race Heats Up

Alexis Davis September 25, 2023
AI INVESTMENT
artificial intelligence-ai-investing-concept-illustration
Amazon’s $4bn investment in Anthropic reinforces why you should consider AI or have some AI exposure. AI is not just another technology trend; it is a game-changer.

10 Inspiring & Artistic UK Cities for Creatives

WWS Reporter September 25, 2023
ARTISTIC CITIES
people-city-street-art-graffiti
Ever wondered which UK cities are the most artistic, inspiring, and supportive for creatives? The top most creative and artistic cities include Manchester, Liverpool, and even Tyne.

Pagination

  • (Page 1)
  • Next page Next ›

Contributors blogs


Blog here »

Write the Perfect Content That Drives Sales: 5 Tips for the Wordsmith in You

Alma Causey

 


CBD Regulations: What Companies Are Doing to Get Ahead in the Game

Tess DiNapoli

 


Image for Leverage Instagram to Acquire Leads for Your Real Estate Business

How to Leverage Instagram to Acquire Leads for Real Estate Businesses

Walter Moore

 


Why Data Governance Has Become So Important

Suzanne Elly

 


Rise of Augmented Analytics: How It Is Redefining Business Data Processing

Deep Moteria

 


Americans Need an Accounting of Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

Timothy Trogdon

 


5 Easy Ways to Avoid Health Issues As a Freelancer

Kevin Nelson

 


 

EXPLORE MORE ...

black-nav-bar1.png

News & Features ›


Image for Workers Are Neglecting a Major Workplace Need - Office Hygiene [Study]

Workers Are Neglecting a Major Workplace Need - Office Hygiene [Study]

Why the Lawsuit by Suspended PGA Golfers Against LIV Golf Is Important

The Tax on Mothers: From Reduced Hours to Lower Pay and Unemployment


Amazon to Invest $4bn in ChatGPT Rival: Consider AI As Race Heats Up

Tackling Climate Change: The Big Companies Reducing Carbon Footprints

The Present & Future Benefits of CRM Solutions - Salesforce Case Study

Will iPhone 15 ‘Wonderlust’ Event Help Apple Recover $200BN Lost?

Philippines' Rich History with Rum – A Dive into Sugar & Spirits

Mothers Are Less Wealthy Than Women Without Children, Study Finds

hor-line-light-blue.png

Tech & Trends ›


7 Recruitment Trends Creating Ripples You Should Know

Why You Should Leverage Remote Collaboration in Your Business

person-holding-smartphone-pokemon-go-app-image

What Pokémon Go’s Popularity Reveals About the State of Technology Today


Tech Troubles? 4 Business Strategies To Avoid Tech Disasters

Ransomware Defense: Safeguarding Your Data with Backup Protection

Unlocking the Power of Software-Defined Storage: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Increase App Downloads On Google Play & Other App Stores

Revolutionizing Industries: The Exciting Future of Metaverse & Predictions

Compatibility of Bitcoin with AI Attracting Institutional Investors
 

horizontal yellow line

Arts & Culture ›


Image for Millennials and Marriage: How They’re Changing the Game

Millennials and Marriage: How They’re Changing the Game

science_art_writing_illustration

Why Writing Is Both a Science and An Art

Self-Publishing in the Digital Age: The Rise of Kickstarter as a Force in Publishing


Best Dystopian Novels of All Time That'll Rekindle Your Love of Reading

10 Inspiring & Artistic UK Cities for Creatives

Common Mistakes that Doom Writing Careers

Six Simple Tips to Overcome Wedding Speech Nerves

How to Overcome Uncertainty, Doubt, & Fear - the Bane of Creatives

5 Philosophical Ideas to Make You a Better Writer (& also a Better Person)

hor-line-brn.png

Business & Economy ›


Real Estate Agent Woman Talking to the Couple While Holding a Clipboard

Real Estate Customer Service: Best Practices for Strong Client Relationships

How Vehicle Insurance Rates are Calculated

Coca-Cola ad poster

The Secret to Creating a Successful Drink Advertisement


Home Office Upgrades: Online Lenders Can Help Fund Your Office Revamp

Ads Copywriting: Tips to Craft the Best Ads for Mobile Marketing

10 Ways Resourceful People Build Resilience & Turn Failure to Success

The Importance of Web Design in Digital Marketing

Top Link Building Techniques and Tips for Marketers

How to Spy on Your Competitors and Steal Traffic Ethically

Home | About | Contributors | Write for Us | Advertise | Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Follow Us:

twitter_e.jpg linkedin-pg.jpg email-updates_icon.jpg

© 2023 Copyright, The Web Writer Spotlight.

Committed to quality content and journalistic ethics.

RSS rss

Search WWS search-icon-trans_0_1.png

Webwriterspotlight.com. All rights reserved.
x
x