Diana Hu on Augmented Reality and Building a Startup in a New Market

TL;DR

In this interview, an AR expert discusses the diverse technical background needed for building augmented reality experiences and the potential of AR as the next technological evolution.

Transcript

all right Diana whoo welcome to the podcast thank you for having me here correct so maybe we should start from now and then go backwards in time so you're working on a are at Niantic after your company our reality has been acquired how did you serendipitously stumble into AR into AR well a ours is a funny feel is not like a single discipline AR is ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏑 AR is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer vision, graphics, engineering, and more to create immersive experiences.
• 🔨 The progress of AR technology is currently in the installation phase, with the development of infrastructure and tools.
• 🤩 Reusing mobile infrastructure and increasing power efficiency are key trends enabling the growth of AR.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the interviewee stumble into AR considering its multidisciplinary nature?

The interviewee explained that their diverse technical background, including experience in cloud television, recomender systems, and semiconductors, led them to be interested in the possibilities of AR. They view AR as the next technology evolution.

Q: When do AR applications become as common as photos and videos in the media?

According to the interviewee, AR becoming a first-class citizen in media will take time. They believe that AR is currently in the installation phase, where the necessary infrastructure and tools for creating advanced experiences are being developed. The deployment phase, where applications become widespread, will come later.

Q: What are the key technology trends enabling the growth of AR?

The interviewee highlighted two key technology trends: the reuse of mobile infrastructure for AR devices and the increasing power efficiency of mobile devices. They explained that the abundant supply chain for mobile components makes it easier and more cost-effective to build AR devices. Additionally, Moore's Law and Kryder's Law contribute to the increasing computational power and wireless connectivity, respectively.

Q: What advice does the interviewee have for founders considering starting a company in the AR space?

The interviewee suggests that founders focus on building core technology and infrastructure for AR during the installation phase. This involves solving the challenging problems in the field and creating tools for developers. They believe that tooling and infrastructure companies have better chances in the current AR landscape.

Key Insights:

• AR is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer vision, graphics, engineering, and more to create immersive experiences.
• The progress of AR technology is currently in the installation phase, with the development of infrastructure and tools.
• Reusing mobile infrastructure and increasing power efficiency are key trends enabling the growth of AR.
• Founders in the AR space should focus on core technology and infrastructure, as well as building relationships with investors who believe in the future of AR.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The field of augmented reality (AR) encompasses various disciplines such as computer vision, graphics, engineering, hardware optics, and more.

• AR is seen as the next technology evolution, representing information in a rich, immersive way.

• The progress of AR technology is still in the early stages, with the installation phase focused on solving challenges and building the necessary infrastructure.