“Solo Leveling” is an interesting anime, dropping a fantasy RPG reality on top of a typical modern day world. The main character is unique in that only he sees the video-game-like augmented reality interfaces around him, helping him in ‘leveling up’ his skills and abilities.
The protagonist has powers, but something happens and he is able to level-up his character. He, and only he, sees interfaces appear before him with actual RPG-like UI: dashboard, gauges, inventory, and warning modals. These seem to be akin to Apple Vision Pro type windows floating in front of him. They don’t move with his head, so it’s not a heads-up display, but they do seem to be loosely positioned relative to his body.
They use several interaction mechanics. “Touching” the virtual windows in mid-air. Responding to open-ended voice commands and queries. And some amount of psychic/mind/neural control, but that might just be a production oversight from the animators/producers/writers. It’s like the perfect UX for a general AR interface, but without some annoying AI assistant voice (e.g. Jarvis).
AR isn’t just about providing additional information and doing away with physical screens. When well executed it can transform reality around the user: changing surfaces, adding objects and “people”. Here the character initiates a mechanism that transforms subway stations to dungeons; other people without the AR are going about their business unaware of his dramatically different experience. Additionally, virtual armor is used later in the series and is clearly only see by him. The metaverse is often portrayed in VR worlds, but it can take place IRL, just spicier.
There is no supposed tech involved in-world. He doesn’t have implants or glasses/headsets. However, I think we could equate this to an invisible implant that gives him an AR interface that nobody else can see. As I mentioned others have powers here, so while he does see things like auras and magical effects I’m not considering those some sort of augmented reality overlay.
In conclusion, “Solo Leveling” offers a compelling glimpse into the potential future of well-executed augmented reality technology. The protagonist’s seamless interaction with AR interfaces and his ability to transform his surroundings highlight the immense possibilities of this technology in enhancing our perception of reality. As we continue to witness advancements in AR, both in fictional works like “Solo Leveling” and in real-world applications, it’s crucial to consider the implications and ethical considerations that come with such powerful tools. By engaging in thoughtful discussions and exploring the potential benefits and challenges of AR, we can work towards a future where this technology is harnessed to enrich our lives and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
