What does Niantic CEO John Hanke envision for the AR future of Pokémon GO? He believes the monsters can feel like “pets” to you.
Augmented reality technology is constantly evolving, but the prices for AR glasses are relatively high. During an event in California, guests like John Hanke from Niantic discussed a potential AR future. The high acquisition cost is a barrier that prevents many potential customers from purchasing. If this price could be lowered, there would be a much larger market for these glasses.
Hanke can easily imagine a theoretical Pokémon GO 10 with advanced technology: “The little monsters would feel really real to you.”
AR Glasses for the Masses – Pricing Issues
Augmented reality technology allows developers to visually integrate content into the real world without obstructing users’ vision. This is done in Pokémon GO with the help of the AR camera. Instead of smartphones, there are also special glasses for this technology. Customers quickly hesitate when they see the prices of high-end models. Ralph Osterhout sells high-end AR glasses, such as the “R7.” These glasses cost $2700. That’s steep.
John Hanke believes that a common price for AR glasses should be significantly lower to reach the mainstream: “If Ralph [Osterhout] could develop a $200 glasses that can do what the latest version of his glasses can […], I believe game designers could create incredible experiences.”
He adds that one should not wait for the ultimate piece of hardware. The devices can also work well within your technical limitations and operate within hardware boundaries.
Optimistic View into the Pokémon GO Future
At the end of the event, John Hanke was asked how he could envision a theoretical Pokémon GO 10 with advanced AR technology.
And the Niantic CEO has positive visions: “I believe the little monsters would feel really real to you. They would be with you. I even think you could become friends with them. Your children would keep them in the house, and it would be like they were pets. On the way there, we will have a lot of fun.”
Patrick says: The AR technology continues to play a significant role in John Hanke’s visions and is intended to merge the Pokémon even more with reality. A lower price for these AR glasses would give many more trainers the opportunity to at least try this technology and find out if they enjoy it. With glasses costing well over €1000, such a “trial” is too expensive for many and ends up with this technology being “only” tested at trade shows and not at home.
In this Hololens video, a fan shows how realistic Pokémon GO battles look with the glasses.
