Arts3091 – Blog 3
In this age of extreme media consumption, the way in which we perceive reality is altering more than ever (Murphy, 2004). The notion of a ‘single reality’ no longer exists. In the past the segregation of the actual and the virtual allowed us to define reality as the actual, and the virtual as nothing more. However, the actual and the virtual come together in media, creating a continuously shifting reality into a highly individualised being. We live in a didactic relation in our subjectivity to us as much as by us (Massumi).
According to Greyson (2009) augmented reality provides the greatest examples of the relation between the actual and the virtual.
• Ray-ban are experimenting with a ‘virtual mirror’ that allows customers to “try on” different glasses. By moving the actual (a facial picture and the glasses) into the virtual (not in the physical world), we are altering the way in which we experience online shopping. Our concept of reality is completely shifted, creating new experiences.
• Lego are experimenting with visual scanners that show the actual final product of the set your thinking of buying. This virtual image of the possible actuality again shifts the way we perceive reality. We no longer need the often glamorized 2D image on the box.
• The new Nintendo console, the 3DS incorporates an augmented reality game via the AR cards. This feature uses the 3D cameras to scan the AR cards and create a three dimensional playground in which players can interact. Via the gyroscope in the 3DS in relation to the card position, players are able to move around the card, shifting the perspective of the playfield.
I believe the mix of actual and the virtual, and how this effects reality is a very important question to the way we experience our lives.
By Wayne Blair, z3290795
Tutorial – Monday 4pm
References
• Greyson, C. 2009, ‘Augmented Reality Overview’, GigantiCo, accessed 29 March 2009,
• Murphy, A. 2004, ‘the world as clock: the network society and experimental ecologies’ in Topia; 117-139
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