Where the Virtual and Physical Worlds Meet
Augmented Reality, also known as AR, dwelled silently in the shower of Virtual Reality (VR) until earlier this year, when a specific application pushed it into the mainstream. Now, AR is a household term and holds its own with advanced virtual technologies. The AR industry is said to hit global revenues of over 90 billion by 2020. Of course, most of this turnover will be made by applications in the entertainment industry. Virtual Reality was first created by gamers for gamers, but AR started as a visionary idea that would modify the way people interacted with the world around them. The very first applications of augmented reality were focused towards improving performance in the workplace, but there is far more to be explored.
Entertainment: AR has a clear place in the gaming world, but unlike virtual reality, it was not created with entertainment in mind. But, since the success of Pokémon GO, there has been even more interest in augmented games.
Healthcare: There are many AR applications designed to enhance one’s healthcare, including Viipar, this is a video supported platform for surgeons that function through Google Glass. When in surgery, a less practised surgeon can use this app as a guide. Another application in the healthcare industry is AccuVein, this assists nurses and doctors to pinpoint patient’s veins quickly without causing any pain.
Retail & Marketing: Augmented Reality is any retailers dream, allowing for the making of an environment in which the brand is positively enforced by the user’s experience. Coca-Cola, for example, has used augmented technology to advertise the brand.
Education: Augmented technology is used as a learning resource for practical subjects, and appears best suited for maths, technology and science.
Military: Back in 1992, Louis Rosenberg created the first AR system at the U.S Air Force Research Laboratory. The U.S Air Force has tested augmented reality applications ever since. Where VR has been mainly utilised for training exercises, AR has been used in this field for many years.
Travel: Augmented Reality has applications within the tourism industry. Yelp, a local business guide, has built-in AR which gives the user information on location establishments when their smartphone is pointed in that direction.
Fashion: A while back, online retailer Lyst gave fashionista’s the chance to attend an AR exhibit. This allowed viewer dress up into four different sets of clothing. AR has enormous potential to bond the gap between online retail and in-store experiences, letting customers see what the clothing looks like on a human body without being presented in the shop.
Music: In 2014, Kasabian fans got the opportunity to watch the band in virtual reality. VR may be able to take you to the party, but AR is able to bring the party to you.
Augmented Reality is capable of enormous amounts. If you have a unique idea for an AR application, contact Applord for the best possible service! Visit our website for more information today.
