The Future of Augmented Reality: A Glimpse into the Transformative Potential
Looking into the future of augmented reality: the possibilities are endless
The concept of Augmented Reality (AR) and virtual augmented reality (VR) has been percolating in our minds for decades. We have seen virtual presence devices and holograms in science fiction movies like Star Wars and Marvel. But now, next-gen innovation is making these fantasies a reality. While there is still a long way to go for holograms, augmented reality technology is already a mainstream technology in 2023 that is helping various business industries with its capabilities.
It makes understanding the technology and adopting AR and VR all the more important. And with a few right steps, AR can be a stepping stone for businesses for something bigger. In business, AR and VR are becoming a crucial part of innovation and advanced problem-solving. Boeing, for example, increased their productivity in wiring harness assembly by 25% with the help of AR technology. Moreover, around 70% of businesses believe that AR and VR will become a standard technology in 5 years, according to a study by JABIL.
This article contains a detailed view of the impact of AR/VR on business and society. It aims to unravel the future of AR technology and the possibilities that the future of AR holds.
Understanding AR and VR
Let’s jump in first to understand what the technology actually is. Augmented reality is more than just putting on a VR headset to watch videos or interactive games. Here are their key definitions:
Augmented Reality (AR)
First thing first, what is Augmented reality? Well, Augmented reality technology focuses on bringing digital content into the real world by projecting elements like images, videos, or 3D models. However, the AR tech is currently limited and needs devices like smartphones, smart glasses, or heads-up displays to deliver outputs. Augmented Reality provides seamless integration between physical and digital to enhance the user’s perception of reality all the more while helping businesses give a better, more realistic customer experience while using a digital device.
Virtual Reality (VR)
In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a fully digital environment, completely disconnecting them from the physical world. VR headsets, like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, provide this experience by creating a simulated reality with artificial simulation. Here, users can interact with the digital environment and physically interact with digital elements.
Current Challenges in AR and VR
The future of augmented reality is surely brighter than the sun. However, the technology still needs major refinements to reach the level it aspires to be. Here are some dire challenges that revolve around AR and app development.
Hardware Limitations: AR hardware needs to become more lightweight, affordable, and socially acceptable for widespread adoption. AR devices of today are very bulky, uncomfortable, not long-lasting, and work with a very limited battery life that still remains a major concern and reason for low adoption in business as well as for consumers.
Content Creation: Developing high-quality AR content is resource-intensive and can demand a lot. Thus, it restricts creative developers and creators from making new apps and software that can take the technology forward. So, these content creators need user-friendly and affordable resources and platforms to streamline the process of making engaging products.
Privacy Concerns: privacy is a hot topic of concern in the tech sector these days, and AR raises deep privacy issues, as it can collect and process vast amounts of user data. Hence, It is important for the technology to have a balance between personalized experiences and user privacy.
Interoperability: As we know, the technology is relatively new, and AR faces a significant challenge in standardizing the technology parameters across developers and device manufacturers. So, the industry needs to ensure that AR applications and their devices can work seamlessly together for better technology growth.
Regulatory Hurdles: AR and VR technologies may face regulatory challenges related to safety, data protection, and ethical considerations. Developing appropriate regulations will be essential.
What Does the Future of AR Technology Look Like?
Whether we’re talking about the new Apple Vision Pro or monitoring the latest advancements in AR and virtual reality, one thing is certain: augmented reality development is GOING to make transformative strides. Let’s look into the latest trends the technology is experiencing.
Spatial Computing
A great new area of AR is Spatial computing. Probably one of the most sought-after and promising aspects of AR Development, it offers a lot of opportunities in the future of AR. It is transforming the way we interact with digital content and evolving from the old methods of mouse and keyboard. Spatial computing allows users to modify and interact with 3D digital objects in real-time (Just like Tony Stark from Iron Man).
Meaning that spatial computing can be the future of augmented reality as it provides intuitive and immersive experiences to businesses as well as consumers. For example, many companies like Magic Leap and Microsoft’s HoloLens are the front runners in Spatial computing.
AI and AR
The last few years have been good for both AI and AR technology, and the curve is only going to go up. Also, as Artificial intelligence possesses the ability to enhance existing technologies, it can certainly be beneficial for AR technologies. Augmented reality development is now leveraging AI to create better and more interactive software that provides exceptional virtual reality with machine learning.
For example, AI is helping augmented reality technology by delivering better facial and spatial recognition for better face and gesture mapping.
Adoption of 3D and AR imagery
Did you know that businesses have seen a 94% conversion lift when they integrated 3D imagery and AR-led content on their website? This is just one of the examples of the implications of the technology and the shining future of augmented reality. 3D imagery integrated with AR allows customers to see the product from every angle and allows the users the opportunity to view the product in their own space.
For example, IKEA now allows its users to virtually integrate items of furniture into images uploaded by the users. So that people can see how the furniture would look like in their home, all with the help of AR.
Cross-platform AR
Making AP apps and software compatible with different platforms is a major roadblock that is fading slowly but surely. It’s a sad reality that cross-platform solutions, especially in AR, lack a certain quality and seamlessness to the native one. However, augmented reality app development companies are leaving no stone unturned to address this challenge. Businesses in the future can look forward to AR apps that work on multiple platforms with no hassle whatsoever.
Applications of AR in Industries
Many industries often use virtual augmented reality for the betterment of their business. Thus allowing businesses to deliver top-notch services to their clients. Here are some different business sectors where AR and VR are giving prevailing results:
Healthcare: Healthcare is a major sector where AR is proving its worth. For instance, surgeons can use AR to combine patient data with 3D models during surgery. As a result, it provides better precision in minor surgeries and also assists in medical training and patient education.
Retail: The future of augmented reality also extends to the retail sector. AR Integration in Industries like retail enhances the shopping experience by allowing customers to virtually try on products, visualize furniture in their homes, and access product information through scanning.
Manufacturing: AR aids in assembly line processes, maintenance, and quality control by providing real-time instructions and remote assistance through smart glasses.
Education: AR brings learning to life by making complex concepts tangible, making the sector a particularly invested field in the future of AR technology. It allows students to get a real look and feel of various aspects of learning. Let’s take an example: Educational software created by an augmented reality company can explore historical sites, dissect virtual organisms, and interact with scientific models.
Gaming: AR gaming experiences, like Pokemon Go, engage players in the real world while incorporating digital elements. This trend is expected to grow with improved hardware.
Real Estate: AR is especially beneficial for the Real Estate industry as it can allow potential buyers to use AR for visualizing properties at the convenience of their homes. Customers can also explore interior design changes or house-hunt properties without going anywhere.
Tourism: Travel and tourism are yet another industry that benefits from AR technologies. Users can enjoy virtual representation of landmarks, historical sites, and local attractions while receiving important information about the places they visit. This helps amplify the travel experience of the travelers all because of AR and virtual reality.
