Although augmented reality (AR) as a concept has been around for a while. In this blog, I will explore a few examples of augmented reality in our everyday lives and its impact on us. The first practical AR system was created in 1992 by Tom Caudell and David Mizell at Boeing. They developed an AR system to aid with the assembly of aviation wiring harnesses. The system used a head-mounted display to project digital images and information into the real environment. This made it easier for workers to do their jobs.
Since then, AR technology has grown and changed, and now the entertainment field, real estate, and other fields use it. Pokemon Go, Snapchat’s AR filters, IKEA Place, and many other AR-integrated systems and apps demonstrate how popular AR is becoming. One can use different types of technology, such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and other wearables, to experience augmented reality (AR).
What is Augmented Reality, exactly?
Augmented reality (AR), allows you to view digital objects in your immediate surroundings. It functions by showing you what’s in front of you using the camera on your phone or any other sensory device and then supplementing that view with digital images or information. You could, for instance, point your phone towards a street to view details on the neighboring businesses, eateries, or attractions.
What are the types of Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) technology comes in a variety of forms and serves a variety of functions. The four primary types of AR are as follows:
1. Marker-based
One of the most popular types of AR today is marker-based. This kind of augmented reality is sometimes referred to as “image recognition.” AR uses a camera to identify a marker, like a QR code or image, and then overlays digital material on top of it. The digital content for the AR experience can be anything from 3D models to films, animations, or text, and the marker serves as what triggers the experience.
2. Markerless AR
This is often referred to as location-based AR. It locates the user using GPS, an accelerometer, or other sensors before superimposing digital material over the actual world. Applications like navigation apps, where instructions can be superimposed on the outside world, use this kind of AR.
3. Projection-based
This sort of AR displays digital content onto real things, giving the impression that they are animated or interactive. Advertising, marketing, public installations, and artistic creations all make use of projection-based augmented reality.
4. Superimposition-based AR
This sort of AR substitutes a virtual object or scene for a portion of the real world. Computer-generated imagery is frequently overlaid over real-world footage in entertainment, like movies and video games.
What identifies Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality as two different things?
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two of the most widely used technologies today. Although the user can have an immersive experience with either of these technologies, there are key differences between AR and VR.
AR versus VR
The main difference between AR and VR is how they provide an immersive experience for the consumer. In virtual reality (VR), virtual environments take the place of the real world with the help of a headset. Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, adds digital information to the real world to create a mixed reality experience.
Virtual Reality (VR)
With the use of a VR headset, virtual reality (VR) creates an experience that is entirely immersive. The VR headgear puts a screen in front of the user’s eyes, and headphones are typically included to add sound to the experience. The user can move around the virtual area as if they were actually there since the headgear tracks their every move.
VR is a fantastic tool for entertainment, education, and even therapy. VR gives gamers a completely immersive gaming experience that makes them feel like they are actually in the game. Virtual reality (VR) can be used in education to create simulations that let students try out things that would be dangerous or hard to do in real life. VR can be utilized in therapy to treat mental health issues, including PTSD and phobias.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital content in the real world, creating a mixed-reality experience. To access AR, one can use a smartphone, tablet, or AR headset. The device’s camera tracks the user’s surroundings and overlays digital content on the real world.
Uses of Augmented Reality.
Let’s look into a few examples of augmented reality use cases.
1. Augmented Reality in Jewellery
The jewelry sector is not an exception to the usage of augmented reality (AR) to improve user experience. In recent years, augmented reality (AR) has grown in popularity in the jewelry sector as a way to enhance consumer satisfaction and boost sales. The following are some applications of AR in jewelry:
Virtual Try-On
One of the most well-liked applications of augmented reality in the jewelry sector is virtual try-on. Customers can virtually try on various jewelry products by using an AR-capable device, such as a smartphone or tablet. They can use this option to preview jewelry on themselves before making a purchase. Customers can also virtually try on various jewelry pieces to see how they appear with other items like clothing or other accessories.
Customization
To give clients a more tailored experience, one can use AR. This can allow customers to customize their own jewelry by adding personalized inscriptions or choosing other gemstones or metals. Customers can also use this tool to design a one-of-a-kind jewelry item that is specific to their personal tastes and style.
Product Visualization
To show clients a jewelry item in a three-dimensional (3D) model, companies can use AR. This allows customers zoom in on particular details and inspect the product from several perspectives. Customers can use this function to better understand the craftsmanship and quality of a piece of jewelry.
2. Education
To teach customers about the history and cultural significance of different jewelry pieces, one can use AR too. For example, an AR app could provide information about the symbolism and meaning behind a particular piece of jewelry.
In short, using AR in the jewelry industry can improve the customer experience by letting them try on jewelry virtually, customize it, see how it looks, and learn more about it. By using AR, jewelry companies can give their customers a more immersive and personalized shopping experience. This can lead to more sales and customer loyalty in the long run.
3. Augmented Reality in Real Estate
Augmented reality (AR) technology has transformed the way the real estate industry operates, providing buyers and renters with an immersive, interactive, and enhanced experience when viewing properties. The use of AR in real estate has become increasingly popular over the years, and it has proven to be a valuable tool in the buying and selling process.
Here are some ways in which AR is being used in real estate:
Property Tours
Potential buyers can make Virtual property tours to view a home without really being there. Buyers can view a 3D model of a property and walk through it virtually by utilizing an AR-enabled device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Buyers who don’t want to take physical property tours or who reside elsewhere will find this function to be quite helpful.
Interior Design
Buyers can utilize AR to see how a house would look with several interior design alternatives. AR software could be used to add furniture or different color schemes to a 3D model of a house, for example. This feature can aid consumers in making better decisions.
Building Plans and Construction
Using augmented reality, construction companies can visualize a building plan or construction project. Stakeholders can view a 3D model of a building plan or construction project using an AR-capable device to gain a better understanding of the layout, design, and materials. Before construction begins, this feature helps architects and contractors spot problems that could happen. It can also assist stakeholders in keeping track of the construction process’ progress.
The use of AR in real estate has proven to be an effective tool for both buyers and sellers. It has helped to enhance the property search process by providing immersive and interactive experiences, which can save time and money. With the continued growth of AR technology, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of AR in the real estate industry in the future.
4. Gaming
Augmented reality games that let players interact with the real world while playing can be made with AR technology. As an illustration, the game “Pokemon Go,” which was previously stated, uses of AR technology to create a virtual world where players may capture Pokemon creatures in real-world locations.
5. Live events
AR is used in live events such as concerts and shows to create immersive experiences for the audience. For example, using AR technology, a performer can appear as a hologram on stage, interact with the audience, and perform alongside real-life dancers and musicians.
6. Social media
Snapchat, for example, allows users to add lenses to their selfies that track their facial emotions and movements and let them change into various characters, apply cosmetics or special effects, and more. Snapchat also offers augmented reality (AR) filters that you can use to alter the scene you’re in, such as adding virtual items or changing the color of the sky.
Apps like Instagram and TikTok also use AR. These apps allow users to produce visually amazing material using AR filters and share it with their followers
6. Film and TV
AR is used in film and TV to create special effects and enhance the overall visual experience for viewers. For example, AR technology can be used to create virtual backgrounds or to enhance the appearance of actors and actresses.
AR technology has a lot of potential in the entertainment industry. With continued advancements in AR technology, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AR in the entertainment industry in the future.
Software for Augmented Reality
The software chosen will rely on the project’s particular requirements, the target devices, and the developer’s experience. We will look into a few of the commonly used software tools to build augmented reality applications
1. ARToolKit
ARToolKit is an open-source software library that provides developers with tools for creating AR applications. It offers features like marker detection, camera calibration, and 3D rendering.
2. Vuforia
Vuforia is a popular AR development platform that allows developers to create AR experiences for a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart glasses. It offers features like image recognition, 3D object recognition, and spatial mapping.
3. Unity
Unity is a game engine that is also used to create AR applications. It comes with a number of AR development tools, such as an AR Foundation package that lets developers make AR experiences for a wide range of devices.
4. ARCore and ARKit
ARCore is Google’s AR platform for Android devices, while ARKit is Apple’s AR platform for iOS devices. Both platforms provide developers with tools for creating AR applications that make use of the device’s camera and sensors.
Future of Augmented Reality
Over the past few years, the AR market has been gradually expanding, and this trend will continue in the future. The global AR market is anticipated to increase from USD 5.92 billion in 2020 to USD 42.17 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 34.7%, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets.
The increasing use of AR-capable smartphones and tablets is one of the factors boosting the AR market. The demand for AR experiences and applications will rise as more individuals get access to AR technology through their mobile devices.
Another trend in the AR market is the making of AR glasses and headsets, which give a more immersive and hands-free AR experience. The market for AR glasses and headsets is likely to expand in the upcoming years, thanks to investments from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Magic Leap.
Overall, augmented reality has a promising future, with the ability to change how we interact with the world around us and open up new possibilities for both businesses and people.
