The imposing of digitally generated business into a viewer’s real-world surroundings is called Augmented Reality (AR). It is completely different from virtual reality, as virtual reality creates a completely artificial environment, but AR uses the real environment and overlays it with new information.
The AR apps are written using 3D programs which allow the developers to impose animation in the computer program. AR is now being used by almost every adventure to create 3D renders of products like the interior of buildings. With the help of AR, the consumers can have a 360-degree product view.
The term ‘ Augmented Reality’ was coined by a researcher named Thomas Coudell in the year 1990. Since then, this technology has been used in almost all CAD programs for assembling of aircraft, for digital advertising, simulation, translation, and various medical procedures.
Tech Giant Google unveiled Google Glass in 2013, it works by projecting on the user’s lens screen while responding to voice commands.
Real-World Examples :
AR has been very useful across several industries. Investments in this market are growing as several applications, are now available across different sectors. Augmented Reality’s role in marketing is very important as now more detailed content can be put within a traditional 2D advert, with a high possibility of generating viral campaigns. Other fields in which AR has made impact includes :
Education – Publishers are developing apps that embed text, images, videos, and real-world curriculum with classroom lessons.
Travel – It has given travelers access to real-time information of places by pointing their camera’s viewfinders to specific subjects.
Gaming – AR is being used to develop real-time 3D games.
Defense – Several governments are now implementing AR solutions for their military.
Healthcare – AR is being used by some optical manufacturers to design smart contact lenses.
Growth :
It is expected that the growth and demand of AR applications and platforms in commercial, aviation, defense, and other fields to be worth at least 56.8 billion dollars by 2020.
Industries that use Augmented Reality include healthcare, automotive, defense, education, etc. Also, investors always look forward to investing in AR startups. Magic Leap, a giant AR startup has received over 590 million dollars in investment since 2014.
Barriers to Augmented Reality :
Specific Barriers are there which may restrict its mas adaption :
i) Lack of Social Awareness of mobile AR
ii) Lack of Profitability.
iii) Huge monopolies in AR Market
iv) Limitation to user experience
v) Security Issues
vi) Poor mobile internet connectivity
As the population of smartphones rising, the demand for AR will definitely rise. A Large number of consumers are carrying phones with AR application capabilities.