AR Goggles for Skiers: Will They Take Off?

One of the most exciting tech developments in recent times has been augmented reality (AR). While it is often overshadowed by its older cousin, virtual reality (VR), AR has fantastic potential and is already being adopted by a range of companies and industries.

AR has many uses, but recently we’ve seen the technology being used by skiers. What are AR goggles for skiers and will they truly take off and become a popular piece of equipment on the slopes? Read on to find out.

What are AR Goggles?

While VR creates fully-fledged virtual environments that users enter and are shut off from the outside world, AR works according to a slightly different principle. Rather than replacing the world around us, AR enhances it through visual and audio technology.

Users will put on special goggles or glasses that are equipped with AR tech. By looking through the glass, they will be able to see images and graphics superimposed on the world around them.

One of the most famous examples of AR is Pokemon Go. This mobile game was an overnight sensation, with over 230 million active users when it launched. The game works by using the camera of a mobile device to display an image of the real world and then superimposes visuals, such as Pokemon, on top of this picture, creating a combined image that is both real and virtual.

AR goggles work in the same way. However, rather than looking at the world through a phone screen, you look at it through the lenses of the goggles. This makes it a more immersive and intuitive experience.

AR goggles can display everything from adverts to real-time traffic updates. They promise to make our lives easier and more convenient by marrying the real world to the digital sphere.

How Do AR Goggles Work for Skiers?

Skiing is the world’s most popular winter sport. Every year, millions of people flock to ski resorts across the globe to get out in nature and traverse the many routes and trails of the mountains.

At first, you might assume that skiers have little use for AR, but that simply isn’t the case. As we mentioned earlier, AR goggles have a wide range of potential uses, and they can offer skiers some fantastic benefits.

For example, say you were enjoying a day of skiing out in the remote French Alps. You might not be aware that a storm is moving in, and you could find yourself racing for cover before the weather turns treacherous. Checking your phone for weather updates while out on the mountain is tricky, especially if you’re wearing thick ski gloves.

If you have a set of AR goggles on, you will be able to receive real-time weather updates delivered directly into your field of view. You can see information about temperature, visibility and wind, allowing you to better plan your skiing trip and stay safe.

You will also be able to receive information about the slope and whether there have been any changes to routes or trails. This is essential information that will make ski trips safer and more efficient.

Will AR Goggles for Skiers Take Off?

It’s clear to see that AR goggles can offer skiers some truly wonderful benefits. They’ll improve the safety of skiers and make it easier to get out there and enjoy a day on the slopes. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to AR goggles that could prevent them from taking off and being truly successful.

Number one is the cost. AR goggles use cutting-edge technology and innovative equipment to display accurate information. As a result, a set of AR goggles can be prohibitively expensive. Many skiers may opt for a standard pair of ski goggles. They might not be any good at displaying information, but at least they’re cheap.

Another drawback to AR goggles is their size and weight. As they are packed with so much tech, AR goggles can be quite large, bulky and heavy. While this might not matter too much if you’re just using them at home, it can prove problematic if you want to take them out on a skiing trip.

What Else is AR Being Used For?

AR isn’t just being used in the world of skiing, it is transforming the internet and the way we consume digital media. As it is further integrated into mainstream culture, you’ll be able to use AR for everything from online shopping, checking the room of the hotel you plan on staying at to searching for a guide to the most popular free pokies. The potential uses for AR will be as diverse as life.

With AR, you can test out products virtually before making a purchase. Things like clothes and furniture can be projected through AR so you can see how they look in combination with products you already own.

Conclusion

AR goggles are incredibly beneficial for skiers but may be too expensive and bulky to take off at the moment. However, the tech is continually improving, so these issues will likely be addressed in the very near future.