The phrase “augmented reality” may conjure up images of a science-fiction future, but AR is already part of our lives. Think Zoom filters, shopping apps that let you try on clothes and makeup, or even the seven-year-old fad Pokemon Go — all of these allow users to filter reality through an augmented lens.
Will Brown, CEO of the Sacramento-based startup InterApp, sees wide potential for the technology. “I think AR provides a unique engagement experience that you can’t get from other technologies,” he says. “With Facebook and Instagram, you’re on your phone and scrolling through content. But AR allows you to get your head up from your phone and interact with the world around you.”
Learn how companies in the Capital Region — including sports teams and a storied wine brand — are leveraging AR to connect with customers in this week’s feature story.
Here’s the rest of the Capital Region Rundown:
We visit a former diner that has transformed into an esports venue (but still serves waffles); the Evil HR Lady fields a query from an enthusiastic new hire who’s already thinking about moving up in the company; our May Startup of the Month talks artificial intelligence and how automation can change every line of work; and musings on the rules and mores of “new professionalism.”
Recommendations from our editors:
In this section we editors share what we’re reading, listening to, watching or even eating. Here’s what we’re consuming this week:
Judy: A lot of eyes will be on the NBA playoffs this Saturday when the Sacramento Kings face the Golden State Warriors in the first round Saturday night. Kings fans really didn’t want to face the defending champs, and the predictions are all over the board with some saying the Warriors are a 9-point favorite and taking the series in seven games. That’s actually a compliment if sports pundits think the Kings can challenge Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green for seven games and not be blown out. In any case, this should be a fun series with sports analysts calling it a battle of the gunslingers: five of the players on both the Warriors and Kings are among the top 5-point shooters in the NBA.
Jennifer: This Easter, I made a torta pascualina, a traditional Italian dish that’s basically a giant spinach pie in an olive oil crust. It gets its wow factor from the whole raw eggs you crack into wells in the filling, so when you slice it you see the bright yellow yolks like in a Chinese moon cake. Though the name means Easter pie, it makes a lovely vegetarian centerpiece any time of year. The New York Times recipe works great.
Odds and Ends
We’ve extended our deadline for Young Professionals nominations to Friday, April 28. Please take a few minutes to nominate a mover and shaker age 40 or under who inspires you.
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Unlocking Reality
As technology evolves, regional entrepreneurs look to unlock the possibilities of augmented reality
Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in an artificial environment, augmented reality superimposes information in the real world. This information can take the form of graphics, text, audio and other sensory inputs to enhance one’s experience.
The Restaurant at the Edge of the Metaverse
Longtime restaurateurs open egaming-friendly diner near R Street Corridor
Go by the business that recently opened in the former home of Waffle Square Country Kitchen and there are still some remnants from what was there before, such as the brown pleather booths. Otherwise, though, something very different is going on here.
Dilemma of the Month: How Can I Move Up in My Company?
A newcomer inquires how to get ahead and advance in their field. Evil HR Lady offers advice for how to become valuable to coworkers and bosses, and how to identify a mentor.
Startup of the Month: HuLoop Automation
AI bots streamline workflows to free up human workers from mundane tasks
Too many employees get stuck doing tedious tasks on legacy systems that can impact job satisfaction and the bottom line. This is why Todd Michaud launched HuLoop Automation, a Sacramento-based AI-powered solution to transform the way work gets done.
Respect in the Age of New Professionalism
How do we show respect when strong handshakes and fancy titles don’t mean anything?
In an age where yoga pants and T-shirts are acceptable work
attire in many organizations, what does professionalism look
like?
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