TV Shopping? Augmented Reality Will Help You Find the Perfect Size

Is augmented reality the future of online shopping? Just imagine: AR can let you "try on" clothes, experiment with makeup and, now, take a new TV for a living room test-run, all before you buy.

Sony is the latest company to jump on the AR shopping bandwagon. The company's online AR tool is meant to help consumers find the perfect size TV for their space -- although I'm sure Sony is of the belief that bigger is better.

It's a pretty simple process: Just print Sony's AR marker, photograph it in the space that will soon be filled by your new enormous TV, and upload the image to Sony's website.

Although this tool isn't groundbreaking, it makes me wonder what's next: AR furniture, jewelry, appliance, or even home shopping? The possibilities are great. 

Sony Develops Integrated Augmented Reality Technology

Sony has developed integrated augmented reality technology called as “Smart AR.” When capturing visuals through a camera, the technology enables additional information to be displayed on the device’s screen, such as virtual objects, images or text.

The technology employs the markerless object recognition, forgoing any requirement for special markers such as 2D barcodes. The object captured by the camera is quickly recognized and can be tracked at high-speed along with the movement of the camera, as it is displayed over the actual 3D space.

Sony Invents Lifelogging Glasses

An image taken by the camera embedded in the device is being shown on the PC screen. The white box on the screen indicates the part that is being gazed at by the user.

Sony Computer Science Laboratories, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, have invented an eye-tracking device designed for lifelogging. The device attaches to eye glasses and collects data using an embedded camera. An infrared light tracks eye movement and photoreceivers detect the position of the eye to determine what the person is looking at. Sony also is planning to add GPS functionality and a power supply.

Check out the evolution of lifelogging eyewear: