As technology advances, augmented reality (AR) is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. From playing games on our smartphones to using AR-enabled apps at work or in healthcare settings, the immersive technology has its place. However, for some people, it may be overwhelming or distracting.
Understanding Augmented Reality
First, let’s define what augmented reality is. AR refers to the use of technology to enhance or overlay digital content onto the real-world environment. This can include adding graphics, animations, and sound effects to a video, or using an app that superimposes virtual objects on top of real-life items.
While AR can be fun and useful in many ways, some people may find it too distracting or overwhelming. Here are a few common reasons why people might want to turn off augmented reality:
- They’re at work or school and need to focus on their tasks without distraction.
- They’re driving and don’t want the digital content to interfere with their vision.
- They’re in public places where they want to disconnect from the digital world.
- They’re experiencing motion sickness caused by the use of AR apps or games.
If any of these reasons apply to you, it may be time to turn off augmented reality. Here’s how:
Turning Off Augmented Reality on an iPhone
- Open the Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen on an iPhone X or later, or swipe up from the bottom of your screen on an iPhone 8 or earlier.
- Tap and hold the “Airplane Mode” switch to turn it on. This will also disable other wireless features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Press and hold the “Brightness” slider to turn off the flashlight.
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness, then toggle off the “True Tone” setting. This will help reduce the impact of AR on your eyes.
- You can also adjust the brightness settings for individual apps by going to their settings and turning off any augmented reality features.
Turning Off Augmented Reality on an Android Device
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings menu.
- Tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps & notifications.”
- Find the AR app you want to disable and tap on it.
- Toggle off the “Turn on notifications” switch. This will prevent the app from sending push notifications, which may be a reason some people turn off AR in the first place.
- You can also adjust the brightness settings for individual apps by going to their settings and turning off any augmented reality features.
Using Augmented Reality Safely
While turning off AR can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to note that the technology has its place in our lives. If you do choose to use AR, here are a few tips for using it safely:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Always pay attention to your physical environment when using AR apps or games. This can help prevent accidents and injuries.
- Adjust settings: As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the brightness and other settings on individual apps to reduce eye strain and discomfort.
- Take breaks: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by AR, take a break from the technology for a while.