Augmented Communication

Driving at night might seem more dangerous at first glance, but it has some hidden advantages. For example, when approaching a corner during the daytime, you often need to wait until another vehicle is visibly closer before you can proceed. At night, however, the glow of headlights around the bend acts as an early signal, much like a lighthouse guiding ships. This small example illustrates the power of remote communication—light, in this case—offering crucial information before direct contact is possible. This principle can extend to other forms of communication, such as sound, radio signals, or even augmented reality (AR).

We’re on the brink of a new era where AR glasses may transform how we exchange information. By transmitting and receiving data with precise positional accuracy, these devices could enable us to convey messages effortlessly in various contexts. Imagine wearing AR glasses that display your professional affiliation, such as a badge or avatar representing your company. Similarly, individuals could share custom information, like indicating they belong to a delivery service, offering specific products, or signaling a personal status—such as being single at a party. Others might use this technology to communicate invisible traits, like a disability, which might otherwise go unnoticed.

The possibilities are nearly limitless, addressing challenges we face in expressing personal or situational details. Over time, this form of augmented communication may become so integral to daily life that it’s hard to imagine functioning without it. Opting for complete anonymity in such a world could feel as isolating as refusing to use a phone or email today. However, as with any innovation involving personal data, there are inherent risks, particularly related to privacy and government overreach.

The broader adoption of AR raises pressing questions about how information will be stored, shared, and regulated. How much power will tech companies have over this data? What standards or protocols will ensure fairness and prevent monopolistic practices? While regulators may step in to address misconduct, their actions often lag behind technological advancements. As with the Internet, there will likely be issues such as malicious actors, dark patterns, and privacy concerns. Addressing these challenges efficiently while safeguarding user data will require collective effort.

The introduction of AR glasses this year marks the beginning of this transformation. Once third-party developers gain access to APIs, sensors, and ecosystems, we’ll witness the creation of applications that may seem unimaginable today. And this is only the beginning—when artificial intelligence fully integrates with AR, the pace of innovation will be astonishing. At some point we'll likely consider these glasses as useful as headlights around a corner, providing essential information before direct contact is possible. Now let's just hope consumers will be the ones behind the wheel, rather than staring into those headlights.

This post is a special New Years edition and therefore published outside of the regular schedule.