AR App Blocks Billboards, Ads in Real Life

A new breed of augmented reality (AR) applications is emerging, designed to erase intrusive advertisements from the user’s view. This innovative technology offers a glimpse into a future where users can curate their real-world experience, free from unwanted branding.

Cutting Out Commercial Clutter

Several engineers have developed AR applications aimed at eliminating real-world advertisements. The initial program, as reported by Interesting Engineering, can remove logos and branding from a user’s field of vision. These apps utilize AR glasses and, in some cases, even Google Gemini AI, to identify and replace these elements.

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“Even YouTube’s anti-adblock campaign doesn’t stand a chance against this self-made AR app — blocking real-world billboards with Google Gemini AI,” according to Windows Central.

—Windows Central

The global ad-blocking market is estimated to reach $35.5 billion by 2027 (Statista 2024). This expansion signals a growing consumer desire for ad-free experiences in both the digital and physical realms.

How It Works

Developers are building these apps for various platforms, including **Snap Spectacles**. The process often involves the AR glasses identifying and then removing the ads. UploadVR mentions a developer who built an AR ad blocker. TechRadar even noted how this technology could counteract fears about the implementation of AR glasses.

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As AR technology advances, these ad-blocking applications are poised to become even more sophisticated. These apps signify a shift toward user control over the visual environment, potentially reshaping how we interact with advertising in everyday settings.