Creators of AdBlock make augmented reality glasses to dynamically remove ads in real life

[Helix Alioth]

[release]
The AdBlock app for Chrome and Safari is pretty fantastic for blocking ads on web pages, and millions of people use it daily while they surf. Users report that they forget what surfing was even like before AdBlock, and some even report a sense of bliss at seeing the before-and-after effect on web pages.

But the number one requested feature has been a way to block the ads that assault us all in the "real world" -- such as billboards, TV commercials, and magazine ads. Unfortunately, AdBlock hasn't been available outside the browser window.

Until today. Introducing the beta version of AdBlock Freedom: augmented reality eyewear that detects and removes ads from the world in realtime.

Here's how it works: when powered off, AdBlock Freedom functions as sunglasses. Slide a discreet switch on the frame, and AdBlock Freedom begins scanning your view for objects that it recognizes as ads. Any detected ad gets a "smudge" overlay to blend it into its surroundings. A picture is worth a thousand words:

[img]http://chromeadblock.com/freedom/example.jpg[/img]

In the test above, four billboards in the wearer's view were blocked with varying degrees of success. This example displays some of AdBlock Freedom's current weaknesses: it can blend ads poorly, it can be confused by partially-obscured ads (note that it blended away the girders in front of the small billboards), and there can be false positives such as with the blue container. It also is less effective at detecting non-rectangular ads.

Despite its current shortcomings, AdBlock Freedom works, and it feels like magic the first time you try it on. Updates for the device will ship at the same fast pace that AdBlock for Chrome and Safari is updated, but beta testers are needed to help squash the remaining bugs. If you're interested and willing to file bug reports, then apply to get a free pair and get started blocking ads in the real world![/release]
[url=http://chromeadblock.com/freedom/]Source[/url]
[url=http://chromeadblock.com/freedom/betatest.html]Apply for the beta[/url]

[Bobie]

i kinda like billboards though, theyre not annoying like popups

[Miya]

this is totally not a april fools joke

[anime poster]

Totally Not a Joke.

But If it was really that would be KINDA cool.

[Xen Tricks]

Damn you april fools, here comes another batch of awesome-if-real things :argh:

[SweetSwifter]

Wow, couldn't they pick something even more obvious?

[r4nk_]

[QUOTE=Wii60;28926338]this is totally not a april fools joke[/QUOTE]

Wouldn't be that far away, there was that GNU (I think?) project a while ago that would block all ads from a video.

Edit: wait nevermind that was logos not ads.

Seems peaceful.

[🅱️🅰️LLS. ➿]

I found this funny.

[Motherfucker]

...They need to do this.

for real.

I would fucking pay a zillion dollars.

[luck_or_loss]

I signed up for the beta

[Joey Skylynx]

Wait a second.... Thats fricking Tucson, AZ! That's the signs down near the tracks on I-10.

Also, I feel like an idiot cause they put this up earlier at 11:30, and I basically went, "HOLY FUCKING SHIT" and signed up for it... Boxes please.

[kevlar jens]

I want earbuds that detect pop music, so whenever the newest Lady Gaga song plays on the radio the earbuds kick in with The Rolling Stones.

[Madman_Andre]

Had me believing for about 0.5214 seconds.

Then I laughed. :v:

[:awesome:]

[QUOTE=Madman_Andre;28927137]Had me believing for about 0.5214 seconds.

Then I laughed. :v:[/QUOTE]

This.

Nice avatar, by the way.

[Cruncy]

I'm going to adblock the local police station