As technology continues to evolve by the day, corporations always look for ways to improve their current technology to stay on top of their game. After all, the more high-tech they go, the more their business solutions get optimized, and they can reach out to a larger market.
Take a mobile game app as an example. From the 8-bit games of the past, we’ve gone a really long way and can now download a multitude of games for free with sophisticated graphics, a.k.a. “realistic” sounds and visuals. This innovative development is made possible by esteemed AR app development agencies from various upscale locations.
But that’s just one example of how AR can be applied. They are useful in other industries as well, from manufacturing to retail. If you’ve been considering AR for your business, this article can be your tool to further understand its complexity.
Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality
You may hear the terms “augmented reality (AR)” and “virtual reality (VR)” being used interchangeably, prompting you to assume that they’re the same. However, AR and VR actually different technologies. VR puts a user in an isolated reality, which explains the VR glasses or headset. AR, on the other hand, still uses the real environment when conjuring up an image on a screen.
AR employs sensors and markers to show users information as though they’ve appeared through a camera. For example, if you’re visiting a specific fashion brand’s website to browse their latest collection, AR will allow you to try on clothes without you having to actually wear them. Take note that you’re just sitting in front of your screen here, not wearing any distinct device.
Different AR Applications
Now that you’ve understood the basic nature of AR, here are three diverse examples of its various applications:
1. Interior Decorating
If a home improvement store has a website that uses AR, homeowners can just browse it and see how several different furniture pieces look like in all angles through their smartphone.
Their browsing experience can even be enhanced if they use an interior decorating app, like what professional decorators and designers do. Through such an app, users can create a 3D image of their home and furnish it, allowing them to see if the scale of the furniture is right before buying them.
2. Remote Support
In an automobile manufacturing company, for example, on-site issues can be common, but an expert may not always be available to fix it. With AR video transmission and smart glasses, the expert can view the problem remotely from the on-site worker’s perspective, and give them troubleshooting instructions real-time.
3. Medical
Medical institutions can use AR to create 3D visualizations of their patients’ anatomy. This significantly reduces the chances of errors in diagnosis and surgery. Furthermore, the organs in the AR image can be viewed individually, allowing a specialist to thoroughly study the problems in a specific organ that they need to cure.
Benefits of AR
From all the examples stated, we can figure out the benefits of AR, such as the enhanced experience it provides for both the business and its customers. Businesses can produce more high-quality and reliable content, while customers enjoy high-end graphics and obtain accurate information from their screens.
It’s also cost-effective for both parties. With AR, business owners can save money on manpower and a physical store location, since AR allows them to offer their full range of services purely online. On the customers’ side, they save time and money, because they no longer need to visit a shop physically to acquire the service and information they’re seeking out.
AR is definitely cost-effective. It has a very promising future, too, with its market being predicted to be worth between $70 billion and $75 billion by 2023. By investing in AR technology, you’re going to be part of that favorable future.