It’s the year 1990 and you have just heard about the term “augmented reality”. The fusion of digital information with the user’s environment in real-time. That means users experience a real-world environment with generated perceptual information overlaid on top of it. What would the reaction to this information turn out to be?
Users back then met this news as a science-fiction concept. However, who would have thought that this fictional concept will soon turn to be scientific reality? Times have greatly changed and AR services is even available on mobile handset.
The immersive reality experience that AR delivers has become so common that it is not an exotic technology anymore. This is definitely good news for businesses everywhere. Especially when businesses want to engage customers virtually and not interact with them in person.
The Current State of Play in Augmented Reality
AR creators develop augmented reality through a variety of technological innovations. These innovations can be implemented on their own or in conjunction with others to create the perfect augmented reality platform. These include the following components:
Hardware Components
Typically smartphones contain a processor, a display, accelerometers, GPS, a camera, microphone, etc. These hardware are necessary to build an AR device.
Displays
While a monitor is perfect there are other systems and handheld displays capable of displaying AR data. For instance:
- optical projection systems
- head-mounted displays
- eyeglasses
- contact lenses
- the HUD
- virtual retinal displays
- EyeTap
- Spatial Augmented Reality
Sensors and input devices
In the world today, one of many motion devices is used to create augmented reality applications. Some of the major ones are GPS, gyroscopes, accelerometers, compasses, RFID, wireless sensors, touch recognition, speech recognition, eye tracking, and peripherals.
Software
To standardize XML grammar for virtual reality AR developers are currently using Augmented Reality Markup Language (ARML). Moreover, there are several software development kits (SDK) which also offer simple environments for AR development.
AR Impact on Different Industries
There are apps available for AR in nearly every industrial sector. Entrepreneurs can address core challenges and make better profits in various industries while utilizing AR technology. Here are some of the leading industries which are utilizing augmented reality to its greatest potential.
Healthcare
Augmented reality has an extremely vital role in revolutionizing the healthcare sector. It offers a new set of opportunities and benefits healthcare professionals, medical students, and others for a better experience. For instance, healthcare use AR tech for:
- Diagnosis
- Surgery
- Pain management
- Psychological treatments
- Training and Practice
Military
AR is currently changing and reshaping the landscape of the military sector. Therefore, it is safe to say military is the foremost industry integrating AR tech.
Generally this technology helps soldiers prepare for the battle without putting their lives at risk. They can dispose of bombs and other explosive elements all while enhancing their skills at using different weapons.
Moreover, the technology also makes it possible to reap the perks of remote maintenance.
Entertainment
Entertainment is also one of the industries that is improving with the advent of AR. The technology has touched all the subdomains of the industry, be it music, live events, or movies in numerous ways. For instance here are some examples of how AR is utilized in the entertainment industry.
AR in Music Industry
In May 2022, Swedish pop sensations returned to the stage after 40 years. However there’s a catch, ABBA Voyage is a virtual concert. The concert features virtual avatars depicting the group as they appeared in 1977. This is the magic that only augmented reality can create.
AR in Movies
The late Harold Ramis was not able to physically be a part of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. However with the help of AR and VR technology he was brought back to life.
AR in Beauty
Sephora’s ‘Virtual Artist’ tool has been available via its main app since 2016. It remains one of the slickest examples of AR within beauty.
This AR technology helps consumers visualize how certain products might look on their face. It utilizes Modiface technology to scan the user’s face, before overlaying different shades of makeup to it.
Similar effects are used by cosmetic specialists and hair artists to show the looks of different hairstyles, colors, and skin products of a customer. This increases confidence and customers are more likely to get the service or buy the product.
Manufacturing and Supply chain
AR and mobile apps in manufacturing industry require less time to maintain all the manufacturing processes. While doing this in return manufacturers provide enhanced experience to the customers, leading to a higher positive response.
Real Estate
AR technology has undeniably paved the way for higher success. It helped entrepreneurs take their real estate business beyond the limitations of current tools. AR engages the target audience in a more interactive way and results in higher conversion. Users can move products from one corner to another, helping them how their house would appear virtually. All while helping them make a decision much more confidently.
Education and Training
AR has helped students and teachers in coping up with numerous prevailing issues for example:
- Difficulty in understanding the concept
- See the working of the complete concept
- Short-memory retention power
- No Practical Knowledge
- Issues with student performance evaluation
One of the finest used cases of AR in the education domain is Human Anatomy Atlas. This mobile app shows more than 10,000 anatomical 3D models of the human body. It delivers associated information in different languages, along with interaction with each organ. This massively help students understand the real-like anatomy of the human body which enhances future understanding of medical students.
Social Media
A result of incorporation of AR in social media is that AR-based advertising market. AR ad market is expected to undergo expansion, gaining $13 billion by the end of 2022.
Presently, social networking platforms are empowering users to add AR features to their content and share with their app fellows.
In fact, Snapchat launched a Lens Studio app back in 2018 to let users create their own AR filters.
5 Advantages of Augmented Reality for Business
In the next few years, users will be able to test products initially before buying them. For example check if the furniture fits the interior (IKEA actually already did it!). They can do so with the help of an Android or iPhone augmented reality app.
Moreover, with future technology evolution there will appear other human sensors as smelling, touching, and feeling.
Augmented Technology- Unique and Noticeable
Now, entrepreneurs have more chances to surprise customers. Create a necessary buzz because they can give your consumers something that their competitors don`t have yet.
AR tech Bags More Virality
Word of mouth and social sharing increase the acquisition of new customers. Make business the talk of the town.
Interactivity Maintains the Retention
Highly exciting content motivates users to interact with your mobile application again and again. AR tech itself is quite fun and exciting therefore it maintains longer user retention.
Content Quality Improvement
With AR, users have a tool for creating content that they couldn`t do before by themselves. For instance, users can see how a certain chair would look in a specific corner of their house (a brand that has done it — IKEA!).
Opportunities for Personalization
A chance to create something unique and thereby to express one’s individuality is way more engaging than standard media content.
Takeaway
Of course, the augmented reality technology is a bit crude yet and still in its infancy. However, our realities have become deeply integrated with digital experiences. In fact, now brands are ranked superior and inferior based on its ability to dole out digital experiences.
Building an AR application is a serious task and takes a high level of expertise and long time. Therefore, collaborate with a reputable AR service provider for example, Digitrends. Develop state-of-the-art and efficient business related AR apps and leave competition behind.
