In Pokémon GO, virtual creatures, Pokémon, interact with reality. This is called Augmented Reality. Niantic is working to enhance the merging of the virtual and real world.
Concept of Pokémon GO: Millions of players love Pokémon GO because they interact with the heroes of their childhood in the game. They hunt, catch, and collect the pocket monsters. To do this, they walk through the real world, covering kilometers on foot, meeting other trainers and befriending them. Great idea, but from a technical perspective, what is exciting is that Pokémon GO uses Augmented Reality: Virtual creatures roam the real world and are visible when one pulls out their smartphone.
Niantic is actually a tech company, not a gaming company
Main idea of Niantic: The company Niantic, which is behind Pokémon GO, is not a “Pokémon” company, but actually a tech company. From 2010 to 2015, Niantic was still an internal startup at Google. There, Google experiments with innovative technology: self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and also “Augmented Reality.” Now, Niantic is an independent company and is committed to the development of “Augmented Reality.”
Acquired tech team: On June 28, Niantic acquired a team consisting of only three members (via NianticLabs). The team “Matrix Mill” includes computer visionaries who specialize in “Machine Learning.” They come from University College London, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. According to Niantic, the team has “developed new ideas that push boundaries.” At Niantic, they believe that this team can significantly improve and advance Augmented Reality.
This is what the future of Augmented Reality looks like
Video shows what is meant: This all sounds very theoretical. On the same day that Niantic acquired the experts, a video from the company was released. There, one of the new specialists introduces himself as “Michael from Niantic”. He shows in the video what it is actually about.
- This is how it is now: The video shows the current state of technology that is also used in Pokémon GO. Pikachu walks through the real world but does not interact with people and objects. Instead, he is just overlaid onto that reality.
- This is how it could be with the new technology: With the new technology, Pikachu and Eevee interact with each other and with the environment. This can make Augmented Reality feel much more real and natural to the human eye. That is the goal Niantic is working towards.
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