Augmented reality is the next big thing, and it’s already transforming how we interact with the world around us. It is an exciting technology that can let you see and interact with everyday objects as though they were living and breathing.
For instance, you can use an app to see your computer as a real-life wall and interact with it as though it were a real object. Another example is using a phone app to be able to interact with a real-life storefront and view the products inside as though they were living and breathing.
The concept of augmented reality has captured the attention of many, including Fortune 500 companies such as HP, Google, and Microsoft. So, what exactly is the future of AR? Is it simply the next fad, or is it here to stay?
Before answering these questions, let us first understand augmented reality.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a technology that overlays a guide on top of the real world. It is an extension of the term virtual reality. In virtual reality, a user is fully immersed in a world of imagery or sound. In augmented reality, a computer-generated perspective, the perspective of the real world, is mixed with a physical perspective. In both cases, the imagery is completely immersive and real.
Here are a few areas that are benefiting from AR.
1. Healthcare
Healthcare has always been one of the most technologically advanced fields, and the use of technology has already revolutionized this industry. Now, augmented reality will be added to the mix, for the benefit of all parties involved. The use of augmented reality in healthcare is already widespread, and once the technology is rolled out to all parties involved, the field will benefit greatly.
Augmented reality can be used to make medical procedures safer for patients, as well as improve the efficiency of medical professionals. For example, it helps surgeons visualize arteries during arterial embolization, which is a procedure where doctors insert tiny pieces of material into an artery, to block off blood flow.
2. Education
Augmented reality helps to bring the real world into the classroom, which means that students can be part of the learning process through the use of their own smartphones. AR for education has numerous benefits, including improving communication between teachers and students, creating a more engaging learning environment, easing the process of learning new facts, and increasing attention spans. It enables teachers and students to visualize 3D models in a derivative environment, in real-time, and at scale.
3. Retail
Stores, brands, and publishers are increasingly using augmented reality to drive engagement with shoppers, but the technology is also being used by buyers to help understand their personal preferences for fabrics, colors, and other product attributes. Thanks to the power of AR, you can feel like you’re shopping in a different store, even though you’re not. Putting these technology-enhanced stores into shape is still a work in progress, but you can already find a number of retailers experimenting with augmented reality.
4. Gaming
The world of augmented reality has redefined the way we play games. With the advent of AR technology, you can now interact with various 3D objects in the real world. These innovations bring along with them immersive gaming experiences. You can engage with 3D animated characters that come alive with motion capture, create your own game with the use of motion capture, play interactive games like Pokémon Go, and even do live-streaming game playing with live game streaming.
5. Navigation
More and more navigation systems are incorporating some form of Augmented Reality into their designs. It helps to reduce the need for looking down at a phone or tablet and can help you to understand your surroundings and where you are on the road. Although the technology has been around for some time now, it is still in its infancy and we can expect improvements to be made as we go on.
Takeaway
Augmented reality is the future, and it is happening right now. Though technology is still in its infancy, it has the potential to change the world in every sphere of human activity.
Augmented Reality is becoming more and more a part of our daily lives, and with the rapid advancement of technology, it is only going to become more deeply ingrained into our lives.
