What is Augmented Reality ?
Augmented reality is exactly what it sounds like:
Reality that has been augmented with interactive digital elements. The most popular AR apps these days rely on smartphones to display the digitally augmented reality: users may activate a smartphone’s camera, observe the actual world around them on the screen, and rely on an AR application to improve that environment in a variety of ways via digital overlays:
- Images, digital data, and/or 3D models are superimposed.
- Including real-time navigation
- Putting labels in
- Color alterations
- Using “filters” on Instagram, Snapchat, and other applications to change the look of the person or their surroundings
AR may be displayed on a variety of devices, and the list is growing:
- Screens
- Glasses
- Portable and mobile devices
- and head-mounted displays
It’s crucial to know what AR isn’t before you can grasp what it is.
AR, unlike virtual reality, does not provide a fully immersive experience (VR). While virtual reality needs users to put on a special headgear and enter a purely digital environment, augmented reality allows them to interact with the physical world around them.
Common Use Cases for Augmented Reality
So, what is the current application of augmented reality? A lot more than just assisting individuals in tracking down pocket monsters. In reality, virtually every business will have identified ways to use AR technology to enhance processes and outcomes by 2020. Typical applications include…
Training and education
Dynamic, AR-based tutorials enable users to learn new skills more quickly and simply than traditional techniques (like instruction manuals). As wearable technology such as AR-powered smart glasses, AR contacts, and AR headsets become more commonly available, the potential for augmented reality training will be enormous.
Entertainment
For years, augmented reality (AR) has been used to improve entertainment. Tupac Shakur’s hologram appeared onstage with Snoop Dogg at Coachella in 2012. CAA signed a totally CGI avatar who also happens to be an Instagram influencer this year. To respond to the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band Real Estate presented a “Quarantour,” which is an AR-powered tour to replace the live gigs that had to be canceled due to global quarantines.
Selling
These days, augmented reality applications allow you to virtually try on or test out a range of items before purchasing: Sephora’s app allows you to examine makeup in AR on your face; IKEA allows you to “see” furniture in your house; paint manufacturers allow you to virtually explore colors on your walls; and Warby Parker allows you to “try on” glasses frames without visiting a shop or obtaining samples. Prior to the epidemic, these offers were a method to improve in-store experiences or make life simpler for busy customers. They’ve now created an opportunity for numerous brands to sell to customers who are confined to their homes. Ar apps for eCommerce are on their way to becoming the standard.
Gaming
AR components are now used in dozens of different games. The success of AR games is unsurprising, given gaming was one of the first clear uses for AR and VR capabilities that many people noticed.