Gaming studio Niantic Labs announced in November the details of its newest game – Harry Potter: Wizards Unite – expected to be released this year. Based on augmented reality, the highly anticipated smartphone game will be overlaid on users’ real-world neighbourhoods, allowing players to discover and fight legendary beasts and take down powerful enemies, all while walking on the streets close to their homes.
The game is the latest to attempt to tap the potential of AR, defined as the integration of digital information and the physical environment in real time, where apps take the user’s existing surroundings and superimpose computer-generated information on top of it via a smartphone or other device. While AR has been around for some time, it shot to the mainstream with the hugely popular 2016 game Pokemon Go, also developed by Niantic.
Pokemon Go was a world-wide phenomenon, and the one of the first examples of mass adoption of AR. At its peak, the game had more users than Twitter in the US. It went on to earn more than US$600 million within three months of its launch, the fastest game to hit the landmark.
The upcoming Harry Potter game will be Niantic’s follow-up to Pokemon Go, and will mark the start of a new chapter in the evolution of AR-based mobile entertainment.
But AR’s reach promises to extend far beyond gaming; the technology is also experiencing a gradual adoption in various business sectors.
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Google Glass, the search giant’s AR-equipped spectacles first announced in 2012, may have failed to catch on in the mass market, but are proving to be a useful ally for medical professionals conducting surgeries and other complicated medical procedures. Microsoft’s HoloLens AR headset allows architects to move around large-scale projections of buildings to look out for safety issues.
Technology start-up Meta is developing an AR-based headset that will allow users to completely shift their desktop-based computer usage to apps inside the headset – making the day-to-day office functions totally computer-free – and establishing the Meta 2 headset an effective replacement for the traditional desktop monitor.
Retail is another area where AR is making headway. Ikea in September launched its Ikea Place App, which uses AR to allow users to see for themselves how their chosen pieces of furniture would fit and look in their own homes. Similar functionality has been introduced by the UAE retailer Home Centre.
Lego has introduced AR kiosks in some of its retail shops that allow potential customers to scan a toy of their choice and immediately get to see, in 3D, what the finished product will look like.
Based on such developments, the US research analysts DigiCapital predict the global AR market will grow to reach $83 billion by 2021.
That said, it’s still early days for the mass adoption of AR outside games and entertainment, with several challenges facing the technology. The most important among these is the relative lack of availability of AR-powered hardware at affordable prices. Microsoft HoloLens or Google Glass are great at high-end visualisation, but at over $1,000 their costs remain high.
In spite of progress in a number of areas, very few apps and use cases have been launched in the AR space to make the domain anything other than a highly selective niche.
With limited developer support and lack of compelling business models, AR needs a big thrust from somewhere to reach the next level of adoption.
It helps that the collective might of tech powerhouses such as Microsoft, Google and Facebook is firmly behind the technology. Enhanced AR capabilities were among the key features highlighted by Apple in its iPhone 8 and X models, unveiled last year.
Governments and corporations in the Middle East are also increasingly experimenting with AR.
Dubai Land Department in September launched Mashrooi, an AR-powered app that allows users to track the progress of real estate projects and compare actual construction against developer plans. Dubai Frame, which opened this month, features AR screens for visitors that allow them to identify nearby landmarks.
Emirates launched an interactive amenity kit in 2016, that used AR to unlock immersive content on travellers’ mobiles via the Blippar app. Last month, the airline launched Noel the Polar Bear as part of its Fly With Me Animals range, complete with a gift card that unlocked 3D AR content via the Emirates Kids AR app.
Such examples hint at the possibilities that AR offers in both consumer and business segments. In the coming years there may well an explosion of these.
As the physical and digital worlds increasingly become intertwined, our sensory experiences are in for the ride of a lifetime.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
The five pillars of Islam
