Technologycalendar_todayLast updated: Apr 2026
What is Augmented Reality?
/ˌɑːdɪˈfɪʃəl rɪˈælɪti/
Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information — images, text, 3D objects — onto the real world as seen through a device's camera or a headset, blending physical and digital environments.
lightbulb
Everyday Example
Pokémon Go's characters appearing on your phone camera through the real world is AR. The yellow first-down line overlaid in live American football broadcasts is an early AR application.
publicReal-World Application
“Surgeons use AR headsets to overlay CT scans onto a patient during operations. IKEA's app uses AR to let customers place virtual furniture in their real rooms before buying.”
psychology
Did you know?
AR was first demonstrated in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland, but required room-sized computers. Google Glass (2013) was the first consumer attempt — ahead of its time but influential.
emoji_objects
Key Insight
AR does not replace the real world (unlike VR) — it adds to it. This makes it more practical for everyday use, which is why most industry analysts expect AR to dwarf VR in the long run.
Want to learn Augmented Reality in 60 seconds?
Join 50,000+ learners snacking on knowledge daily.