Augmented Reality

- Overview

Augmented reality (AR) is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to change the way we interact with the world around us. In many different industries such as retail, commerce, gaming, healthcare, and even the military, AR is being used to solve a variety of business challenges. It's important to keep an eye on these technologies to see where the industry is heading.

AR overlays virtual objects on the real-world environment. AR overlays computer-generated content on top of the real world. This superimposed digital overlay can superficially interact with the environment in real time. AR is primarily experienced via a wearable glass device or through smartphone applications.  

AR offerings layer over what an individual is seeing through a device. That layer could be a Pokémon, or it could be a text explanation of how mummification worked in ancient Egypt. AR typically requires an application (app) on a phone or tablet to be used in order for the individual to see the extra layer of information. AR triggers can be GPS points or images viewed through the lens of the camera on the device.
 

- The Difference Between AR and VR

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two sides of the same coin. You could think of AR as VR with one foot in the real world: AR simulates artificial objects in the real environment; VR creates an artificial environment to inhabit. 

In AR, the computer uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera. AR technology then renders the 3D graphics as they would appear from the viewpoint of the camera, superimposing the computer-generated images over a user’s view of the real world. 

In VR, the computer uses similar sensors and math. However, rather than locating a real camera within a physical environment, the position of the user’s eyes are located within the simulated environment. If the user’s head turns, the graphics react accordingly. Rather than compositing virtual objects and a real scene, VR technology creates a convincing, interactive world for the user.

- The Metaverse

One of the goals of metaverse technologies is to strike down the barriers between the digital and physical worlds, and AR is a great start. The Metaverse is a vision of how the next generation internet will work. The Metaverse could fundamentally change not only how humans interact with technology, but also how they interact with each other and the world around them.

The Metaverse will be an improved digital environment that enables seamless movement between work, entertainment, shopping, socializing and creativity in one digital landscape What form this landscape will take is a subject of debate.

Companies like Meta (Facebook) are investing heavily in immersive experiences in which users with wearable hardware can ditch reality and enter purely virtual worlds, interacting through avatars – this is Ernest Klein The basis for the "Oasis" depicted in the (Ernest Cline) novel Ready Player One.

Others see virtual worlds as more like an integration of physical and digital environments, with the real world overlaid with digital surfaces and objects. This approach to augmented reality builds on experiences like the wildly successful Pokemon Go mobile game, which allows players to seek out and discover digital creatures in the real world.

Currently the Metaverse is primarily a commercial enterprise. Large corporations, including gaming and technology companies, are rapidly developing these building blocks. Companies like Facebook, Apple, Google, and Microsoft are in direct competition, using their vast technological resources to design their own Metaverse products.

- Mobile AR

AR clouds are likely to become more accessible and provide more tailored experiences. Mobile AR usage has increased, and the rollout of 5G networks will increase its popularity. Developers will be able to create more immersive and interactive experiences that increase user engagement. Augmented reality applications will become more personal and tailored to each user, incorporating contextual data and analytics to deliver the best possible experience.

- Wearable AR

Wearable AR will become more common and popular among consumers as it improves the user experience. Smart glasses and contact lenses are expected to hit the market, making AR more accessible and convenient. This will allow users to project or wear digital content and interact with the physical world in interesting ways.

- AR Games

AR games will become more popular in the coming years. As graphics and technology become more advanced, players will be able to interact with virtual environments and play with friends in real time. AR games will also be used to promote physical activity, as users can play augmented reality sports games that require physical activity. Taken together, these trends will help augmented reality become a more popular technology in the near future.

- Other AR Applications

AR will also be used in more services and products. automotive companies are already using it to provide drivers with a more informed driving experience, and the retail industry is using augmented reality to provide a more engaging shopping experience. The health sector is also looking to use AR to help medical professionals and patients diagnose and treat diseases more effectively.