Augmented Reality – The missing link between Reality & Virtual Reality!

Introduction

Imagine that you are trapped in a dessert, and you get thirsty. You see a pond of water but it is far at distance; then you see another pond of clean water, which is just a few steps away but it’s a mirage, and then there is a Tap of Water between the - distant but real water pond and the closest pond which a Mirage! Exactly, that Tap Water is what Augmented Reality is, in context of this blog.

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology where designers use computer-generated inputs to enhance the elements from the users’ physical world. These digital inputs—ranges from sound to video, to graphics to GPS overlays and more, which responds in real time.

How AR is different from Virtual Reality & Mixed Reality

AR transforms volumes of data and analytics into images or animations that are overlaid on the real world. A few examples include IKEA Mobile App, AR Kit and the Pokemon Go game….

Whilst the concept of Virtual reality is to create an entirely new world itself which not necessarily based on the concept & data gathered from the real world. Examples include PSVR for gaming, Play-station, Oculus and Google Cardboard, where users can explore, e.g., Stonehenge using headset-mounted smartphones.

Mixed Reality on the other hand combines AR and VR elements so digital objects can interact with the real world; therefore, you design elements that are anchored to a real environment. Some of the examples are Magic Leap and Holo Lens, which users can use, e.g., to learn more directly how to fix items.

AR applications in various industries

The use of Augmented Reality is not limited to any specific industry but we have already seeing its applications across various big and small sectors.

• In Automotive – Augmented Reality (AR) is used in-car dashboards to provide information which is technical or travel related (like Google maps) or daily maintenance.
• In Consumer/Retail enterprises - it is used in navigating products through sales process. AR is used for product demonstration & instructions manual.
• In Education - Various books and study material, as well as complicated mathematical problems are being taught in more easy ways using AR application these days.
• In Manufacturing - AR is being used to deliver just the right information the moment it’s needed to factory workers on assembly lines, reducing errors, enhancing efficiency, and improving productivity.
• In Tourism – Various Galleries and museum can afford to give virtual tour guides to people. It is being helpful in the times such as current Covid-19 global pandemics.

Key benefits of AR

AR is gathering more popularity in the audiences and users for its key benefits such as :

• AR is mobile and personal and, therefore, hugely accessible to a rapidly growing smartphone market
• AR increases engagement and interaction and provides a richer user experience
• Research has shown that AR increases the perceived value of products and brands
• Brands have access to detailed analytics enabling them to truly understand their audience
• Well implemented AR activity conveys innovation and responsiveness from forward-thinking brands
• AR is an inexpensive alternative to other media platforms as no specific media needs to be purchased

These all benefits and applications at least suggest that AR is successfully navigating us towards the future! If you are excited to know more about Augmented reality - visit us -MODELCAM. MODELCAM is a leading AR app developer.