When we place a phone call, we don't insert a pre-fix for Blackberry phone, a different prefix for calling someone who uses an iPhone and another for Android users. A call request is placed and connected, regardless of the device and software used by the receiver's handset. When people publish content for the Web (aka "to be viewed using a browser"), they don't need to use a special platform for Internet Explorer, a special content management system or format for Opera Software users, another for Firefox users, and another for those who prefer to use Safari. And, as a result of substantial effort on the part of the mobile ecosystem, the users of mobile Web browsers can also view the same content as on a stationary device, adapted for the constraints of the mobile platform.
With open standards, content publishers can reach the largest potential audiences and end users can choose from a wealth of content sources.
Augmented Reality content and experiences should be available to anyone using a device meeting minimum specifications. If we do not have standards for AR, all that can and could be added to reality will remain stuck in proprietary technology silos.
In the ideal world, where open standards triumph over closed systems, the content a publisher releases for use in an AR-enabled scenario will not need to be prepared differently for different viewing applications (software clients running on a hardware platform).
The community working towards open and interoperable AR will be meeting March 19-20 in Austin, Texas to continue the coordination activities it performs on behalf of all content publishers, AR experience developers and end users.
If you can come, and even if you are unable to meet in person with the leaders of this community, you can influence the discussion by submitting a position paper according to our guidelines.