AR has lots of benefits, such as portability, interactivity, and personalization. But an under appreciated feature is that it can be a stealth contributor to cultural literacy while it pushes a marketing agenda. By including the arts and other cultural offerings and previews in the line-up of “attractions,” AR has the potential to increase awareness about the fine arts. By including accessible information about artists, musicians, and performances, AR can demystify, humanize, and normalize appreciation for the fine arts into a Main Street rather than Park Avenue experience. In the world of “money is no object” and "larger than life," who better to engage the use of augmented reality to show people around town than Las Vegas? The MGM Mirage properties has launched Vegas’ first AR iPhone apps available through, you guessed it, iTunes. This is just a taste of things to come for the hospitality industry sectors willing to make the investment in creativity and innovation. … [Read more...]