What if your everyday world could be enhanced with layers of digital information, seamlessly blending reality with imagination? Augmented Reality (AR) stands at the threshold of transforming how you see, work, and play. From smart glasses to immersive apps, AR is reshaping industries and experiences alike, offering new ways to interact with the environment around you.
Leading minds like David Rose, an MIT lecturer and pioneer in spatial computing, have charted the course of AR’s evolution, revealing its potential to redefine human perception. Meanwhile, Dieter Schmalstieg, a professor and influential AR researcher, provides technical foundations that empower developers to build robust AR systems. Mark Billinghurst, a key figure in human-computer interaction, emphasizes practical usability that bridges technology with user experience.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and AR focus might consider creating a personalized Augmented Reality book that builds on these insights. This approach helps accelerate your learning journey by aligning knowledge with your unique goals.
Joseph Charles Kvedar, a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and chair of the American Telemedicine Association, highlights the timeliness of this book as computer vision technology begins to mature commercially. He notes, "This is a timely release as the discipline of computer vision is hitting its stride in the marketplace but the potential for this technology is very much still unmet." His deep expertise in telemedicine gives weight to his appreciation of how augmented reality can reshape healthcare and beyond. Meanwhile, Valentin Heun, VP Research at PTC and an AR pioneer, emphasizes the transition toward shared spatial computing, calling Rose's vision a "timely and comprehensive journey." This insight underscores the book’s relevance for understanding how AR is poised to become part of everyday computing experiences.
“This is a timely release as the discipline of computer vision is hitting its stride in the marketplace but the potential for this technology is very much still unmet.”
David Rose, MIT lecturer, author, and serial entrepreneur offers a unique perspective on the next platform of spatial computing, what he calls SuperSight. His last book, Enchanted Objects is one of the definite texts on designing the Internet of Things. David wrote the seminal patent on photo-sharing, founded an AI company focused on computer vision, and was VP of Vision Technology at Warby Parker. David is known for translating complex technologies into delightfully intuitive new products and consulting to businesses on how to thrive in digital disruption. David’s work has been featured at the MoMA, covered in The New York Times, WIRED, The Economist, and parodied on The Colbert Report. David's apartment was featured in a New York Times video called “The Internet of Things,” where he shared some examples of how to incorporate magic into mundane objects: a Google Earth coffee table that responds to gesture, Skype cabinetry in the living room, and a doorbell reminiscent of Mrs. Weasley's click which rings when a family member is on their way home. He even got John Stewart to belly-laugh when he was a guest on the Tonight Show!
David Rose, a seasoned MIT lecturer and entrepreneur, explores how augmented reality will redefine human vision and interaction in this book. You gain insight into the technologies behind spatial computing, from AI-powered smart glasses to mixed reality games like Pokémon GO, and how these tools reshape daily life, work, and play. Rose doesn't shy away from the challenges, addressing issues like equity and filter bubbles while proposing thoughtful solutions. His insider perspective, drawn from years of innovation in computer vision and product design, offers a grounded yet imaginative look at what "SuperSight" might mean for you and society. This book suits anyone intrigued by how AR will transform experience beyond the screen.
Mark Billinghurst, a professor specializing in human-computer interaction at the University of South Australia, recommends this book as an essential resource, praising it as a solid foundation for anyone interested in augmented reality. His expertise in AR systems underscores the value of the authors' comprehensive approach. He notes, "This is an essential book for anyone interested in Augmented Reality, by two of the leading pioneers..." Meanwhile, Ori Inbar, executive director of Augmented World Expo, shares how the book exceeded his expectations, revealing deeper insights beyond typical AR texts. Their combined endorsements highlight the book’s balance of technical detail and practical usability in AR.
Professor of Human Computer Interaction, University of South Australia
“This is an essential book for anyone interested in Augmented Reality, by two of the leading pioneers. It provides an outstanding foundation to the fast growing field of AR, both for those already in the field as well as those who just want to understand the technology more deeply.”
Dieter Schmalstieg is professor and head of the Institute for Computer Graphics and Vision at Graz University of Technology (TUG), Austria. His current research interests are augmented reality, virtual reality, real-time graphics, 3D user interfaces, and visualization. He received Dipl.-Ing. (1993), Dr. techn. (1997) and Habilitation (2001) degrees from Vienna University of Technology. He is author and coauthor of more than two hundred peer-reviewed scientific publications, associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, member of the editorial advisory board of computers and graphics and of Springer Virtual Reality, member of the steering committee of the IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality, chair of the EUROGRAPHICS working group on Virtual Environments (1999-2010), advisor of the K-Plus Competence Center for Virtual Reality and Visualization in Vienna, and member of the Austrian Academy of Science. In 2002, he received the START career award presented by the Austrian Science Fund. In 2012, he received the IEEE Virtual Reality Technical Achievement Award for seminal contributions to the field of augmented reality. Since 2008, he is also director of the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Handheld Augmented Reality.
What happens when decades of experience in computer graphics meet augmented reality? Dieter Schmalstieg and Tobias Hollerer, renowned researchers in AR and VR, crafted this detailed guide to bridge technical depth with usability concerns. You’ll learn about display technologies, sensor fusion, and real-time tracking, alongside interaction techniques and system architectures that power modern AR applications. Chapters on calibration, visualization, and authoring AR content equip you with concrete skills to design and implement AR systems. This book suits developers, researchers, and students who want a thorough understanding of AR’s multi-disciplinary foundations without fluff or oversimplification.
This personalized AI book about augmented reality is created after you share your AR background, skill level, and the specific concepts or applications you want to focus on. Leveraging AI, it crafts a tailored roadmap that bridges general expert knowledge with your unique learning goals. This approach helps you navigate the complexities of AR technology efficiently, making sure the content matches your interests and desired outcomes without unnecessary detours.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·Augmented Reality, Spatial Computing, Sensor Fusion, User Interaction, AR Development
This tailored book explores the expansive world of augmented reality (AR) by focusing on your individual background, skills, and goals. It examines core AR concepts including spatial computing, sensor integration, and user interaction, delivering a personalized journey that matches your interests. By weaving together foundational theories with current applications, the book reveals how AR technologies integrate digital content into real-world environments. It covers topics ranging from AR hardware and software to development tools and design principles, supporting a thorough understanding that aligns with your specific aspirations. This personalized approach enables a deep dive into AR’s potential, cultivating practical knowledge and inspiring creative exploration.
Indika Wijesooriya, with over eight years of Unity expertise and a strong background in engineering and computer science, penned this book to share his deep knowledge in AR development. As former Chief of Innovation at Arimac, a key player in global AR and VR solutions, he brings firsthand experience in crafting immersive technologies. His passion for 3D real-time development informs the book’s focus on practical Unity applications and AR frameworks, making it a valuable resource for developers seeking to master AR creation.
Indika Wijesooriya has over 8 years of extensive experience working with Unity, coupled with a profound involvement in crafting AR applications since 2014. In 2017, he successfully attained a degree in Engineering intertwined with Computer Science, further solidifying his expertise in the field. Notably, Indika held the distinguished position of Chief of Innovation at Arimac, a prominent end-to-end digital solutions provider renowned for its active engagement in the development of AR and VR applications on a global scale. His instrumental contributions to the advancement of immersive and emergent technologies have garnered both local and international accolades. Indika's passion is towards 3D real-time development, AR VR, and research and sharing his knowledge with enthusiasts around the world.
Indika Wijesooriya's extensive experience in Unity and AR development shapes this guide into a focused manual for creators aiming to build immersive augmented reality experiences. You’ll move beyond basics, gaining skills in visualizing AR environments, working with multiple AR frameworks like Vuforia, AR Kit, and AR Core, and optimizing app performance. The book’s detailed chapters on marker-based and marker-less AR, along with world-scale development using Niantic Lightship, offer practical insights into current industry tools. If you're comfortable with programming fundamentals and want to deepen your Unity-based AR capabilities, this book serves as a clear pathway without overhyping promises.
Wallace Wang has authored over 40 computer books and combines deep programming knowledge with practical instruction in this guide to ARKit development. His experience with Swift, Java, and mobile platforms makes him uniquely qualified to demystify augmented reality app creation for iPhone and iPad. Beyond coding, Wang’s background in comedy and screenwriting adds a distinctive voice that keeps the technical content approachable and engaging.
Wallace Wang has written more than 40 computer books, including macOS Programming For Absolute Beginners, Absolute Beginners Guide to Computing, Pro iPhone Development with Swift, and Android Apps for Absolute Beginners. In addition to programming with Swift, Java, and other languages for the Mac, iOS, and Android; he also performs stand-up comedy, having appeared on A&E's 'Evening at the Improv,' and having performed in Las Vegas at the Riviera Comedy Club. When he’s not writing programming books or performing stand-up comedy, he enjoys blogging about screenwriting at his site, The 15 Minute Movie Method, where he shares screenwriting tips with aspiring screenwriters.
Wallace Wang, an author with over 40 computer books under his belt, leverages his extensive programming expertise to guide you through developing augmented reality applications using ARKit on iOS devices. You’ll learn to access the camera, position virtual objects, and apply physics to blend digital elements seamlessly with the real world, as shown in detailed chapters on hit testing and plane detection. This book suits programmers familiar with Swift who want to expand into AR development, offering hands-on skills rather than abstract theory. If you’re aiming to build practical AR apps for iPhone and iPad, this will be a solid technical manual to keep on hand.
Micheal Lanham is a seasoned software innovator with over 25 years of experience spanning game development, GIS applications, and machine learning. His role as solutions architect at petroWEB and extensive background in Unity 3D development uniquely position him to author this guide on AR game creation. Lanham’s deep expertise in spatial search and AI enriches the book’s practical approach, enabling you to navigate the technical demands of building immersive location-based AR games with confidence.
Micheal Lanham is a solutions architect with petroWEB and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta in Canada. In his current role he develops integrated GIS applications with advanced spatial search capabilities. He has worked as a professional and amateur game developer building desktop and mobile games for over 15 years. In 2007, Micheal was introduced to Unity 3D and has been an avid fan and developer ever since. Michael Lanham is a proven software and tech innovator with 25+ years of experience. During that time, he has developed a broad range of software applications, including games, graphic, web, desktop, engineering, artificial intelligence, GIS, and machine learning applications for a variety of industries as an R&D developer. Michael has worked as an GIS Architect, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer and Manager of an AI team. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with his family. At the turn of the millennium, Michael began working with neural networks and evolutionary algorithms in game development. He later applied many of those practices to several applications in Oil and gas, GIS and financial services. Michael has written 10 books including "Augmented Reality Game Development," "Game Audio Development with Unity 5.x," and "Learn ARCore: Fundamentals of Google ARCore," all published by Packt Publishing. Additionally, he has written "Evolutionary Deep Learning" by Manning Publications and "Learn Python Game Development with ChatGPT" by BPB. He is currently writing "AI Agents In Action" for Manning Publications.
Micheal Lanham draws from over 25 years of software and game development experience to guide you through creating location-based augmented reality games using Unity 5. You’ll learn how to build a game like Foodie Go, incorporating core technical components such as GIS fundamentals, mobile GPS, camera textures, and Google Places API integration. The book is particularly helpful if you want to understand the unique challenges of AR game development, including database persistence and UI design for mobile platforms. Lanham’s background as a GIS architect and AI engineer ensures the material is grounded in real-world applications, making it a practical resource for developers eager to enter the AR gaming space.
This custom AI book on augmented reality project creation is built around your specific background, skills, and goals in AR development. By sharing what you want to focus on and your experience level, you receive a tailored guide that navigates the complexities of AR project building with practical steps and personalized advice. This approach makes tackling AR projects more approachable and aligns learning tightly with your ambition to launch quickly and effectively.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
2025·50-300 pages·Augmented Reality, Project Planning, AR Development, User Experience, Technical Integration
This tailored book explores the process of launching augmented reality projects quickly and effectively, providing a personalized pathway that matches your unique background and goals. It covers essential AR development concepts, practical tasks, and creative problem-solving techniques to help you fast-track your project from idea to launch. The book examines key components such as user experience design, technical integration, and iterative testing, all tailored to your specific interests and skill level. By focusing on your individual learning needs, this personalized guide reveals how to overcome common challenges and accelerate your AR project creation with confidence and clarity.
Yoni Binstock is a recognized expert in augmented reality and technology, known for his insightful interviews with industry leaders. His work focuses on the transformative potential of AR across various sectors, including education and entertainment. Drawing on conversations with over 100 top AR experts, this book offers a unique window into the evolving world of augmented reality, making complex developments accessible and relevant to you.
Yoni Binstock is a recognized expert in augmented reality and technology, known for his insightful interviews with industry leaders. His work focuses on the transformative potential of AR across various sectors, including education and entertainment.
2020·248 pages·Augmented Reality, Technology, Industry Insights, Career Development, Device Evolution
Yoni Binstock offers a nuanced exploration of augmented reality through extensive interviews with over 100 industry leaders, including CEOs, developers, and designers shaping the field. You gain a multifaceted view of AR’s technological evolution, its societal implications, and emerging career paths, enriched by voices like Dana Loberg and Matt Miesnieks. The book’s clear breakdown of device advancements and sector disruptions guides anyone curious about AR’s future, whether you’re a professional eyeing this industry or simply intrigued by its potential. While it doesn’t shy away from challenges AR faces, it equips you with a realistic understanding of where this technology is headed and how you might engage with it.
Aleksandra Belitskaja, co-founder of Studio iheartblob, has significantly influenced architectural design through her integration of technology and theory. Her collaboration with Benjamin James and Shaun McCallum reflects deep expertise in both creative practice and academic exploration. This book emerged from their collective work at the intersection of architecture and augmented reality, offering readers a fresh perspective on how digital media can redefine architectural visualization and thought.
by Aleksandra Belitskaja, Benjamin James, Shaun McCallum, IoA Institute of Architecture, Kutan Ayata, Gerald Bast, Fredrik Hellberg, Lara Lesmes, Greg Lynn, Andrew Witt, Michael Young··You?
by Aleksandra Belitskaja, Benjamin James, Shaun McCallum, IoA Institute of Architecture, Kutan Ayata, Gerald Bast, Fredrik Hellberg, Lara Lesmes, Greg Lynn, Andrew Witt, Michael Young··You?
About the Author
Aleksandra Belitskaja is a co-founder of Studio iheartblob and has contributed to the field of architecture through innovative design and theoretical exploration. She collaborates with Benjamin James and Shaun McCallum, focusing on the intersection of architecture and technology.
Aleksandra Belitskaja, co-founder of Studio iheartblob, brings a unique architectural lens to augmented reality, blending design innovation with theoretical inquiry. This book explores new ways to visualize architectural concepts beyond traditional blueprints, using renderings, mixed-reality objects, and animations that reflect mathematical and philosophical ideas. You’ll engage with chapters that unravel complex theories like object-oriented ontology and postmodern formalism, challenging conventional architectural thinking. If you’re involved in architecture or design and curious about how augmented reality can reshape visual communication and theoretical frameworks, this book offers a thoughtful, concept-driven approach rather than just technical instruction.
This book offers a distinctive combination of theoretical insight and practical application in the field of augmented reality. It guides you through complex mathematical foundations and architectural design critical for developing AR applications, while grounding these concepts with real-world examples and case studies. Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, software professional, or technology enthusiast, the book’s lucid explanations and hands-on approach provide the tools necessary to grasp and create mobile AR systems. By integrating computer vision, graphics, and programming, it addresses the essential challenges faced by anyone aiming to innovate in augmented reality development.
Augmented Reality, Computer Vision, Mobile AR, Programming, Prototyping
Unlike most augmented reality books that skim the surface, this one dives into the math and architecture behind AR applications with clarity. Chetankumar G Shetty skillfully balances theory and hands-on programming, walking you through natural feature tracking, mobile AR design, and real-world case studies. You’ll gain concrete skills, from understanding computer vision fundamentals to prototyping your own AR systems. If you’re a software professional, student, or enthusiast ready to move beyond buzzwords into actual AR development, this book equips you with the technical depth you need without overwhelming jargon.
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Conclusion
The 8 books featured here converge on a few compelling themes: the visionary potential of AR to transform daily life, the rigorous technical mastery needed to develop AR applications, and the specialized applications that bring AR into fields like gaming and architecture. Each book offers distinct pathways, whether you're drawn to conceptual futures, hands-on development, or industry perspectives.
If you're just starting out, foundational texts like Dieter Schmalstieg’s work paired with Wallace Wang’s ARKit guide can ground your understanding and skills. For those focused on practical implementation and creative projects, Indika Wijesooriya’s Unity development manual combined with Micheal Lanham’s game development insights provide actionable knowledge. Curious about broader industry trends and societal impact? David Rose’s and Yoni Binstock’s books open windows into the evolving AR landscape.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Augmented Reality book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently navigate the expanding world of augmented reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "Augmented Reality: Principles and Practice" by Dieter Schmalstieg for a solid technical foundation, then explore "SuperSight" by David Rose for visionary context.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Augmented Reality?
Not at all. Books like "Beginning ARKit for iPhone and iPad" by Wallace Wang offer approachable introductions suitable for newcomers with some programming background.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational texts like Schmalstieg’s and Wang’s, then move to development-focused works such as Wijesooriya’s Unity guide, and finally explore visionary and industry perspectives.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your goals. For development, focus on Unity or ARKit guides; for broader understanding, choose "SuperSight" or "What is Augmented Reality?"
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
"SuperSight" and "iheartblob – Augmented Architectural Objects" lean toward theory and future vision, while Lanham’s and Wijesooriya’s books emphasize hands-on development.
How can I get AR knowledge tailored to my specific interests and skill level?
Expert books are invaluable, but personalized Augmented Reality books can complement them by focusing exactly on your background and goals. Explore options to create your custom AR book for targeted learning.
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