The digital and physical worlds are on a collision course.

They are separate now, but they'll merge to create a new reality in the near future. One that is weirder than a black mirror story.

On the one hand, AR promises a magical new world where virtual information is embedded in the real world. It will enable a farmer to see data from sensors monitoring moisture content overlaid onto their fields as they look across their farm. It will guide you as you assemble furniture from IKEA. As you drive a car, the directions will be overlaid on the windscreen, creating a map you drive on.

On the other hand, tangible computing will incorporate the digital into real-world objects. When your child picks up a globe of the world, it will talk to them, answering questions about countries as they are touched. Your shopping list will know what's already in the fridge, and even the kitchen bench will become a touch screen surface.

What happens when Sci-Fi meets Extended Reality?

Will our reality and truths become more profound, or will our experiences and moments-of-truth become trivialised and commoditised?

Does the individual lose their uniqueness and become one of many cookie-cut strings in the universe of templated realities?

Already we see how virtualisation replaces individuality in deepfakes and AI-enhanced digital transplants in film, art and more. How will we as a species respond?

Einstein said a long time ago that "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Anyone who has experienced a well-produced movie visited Disneyland or put on a virtual headset recently would probably attest to that.

It is predicted that soon, immersive experiences will enhance (and likely supplant) our reality. That our senses will have to adapt or evolve to fully harness the potential of imagination. The intangible has become more valuable than the tangible.

How will you as a human embrace the coming reality?

** All proceeds will be donated to Beyond Blue

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