Augmented Reality (AR) is the next big thing in tech, which is why it has been called “the next step for human-computer interaction.” What does that mean? It means that AR bridges the gap between our physical and digital worlds.
AR integrates computer-generated information with your physical environment in real-time, which can lead to some interesting possibilities. For instance, how about an app that lets you see what you would look like with a different hairstyle? Or one that shows you if your outfit matches or not? These are just some examples of AR’s potential. Read on to learn more about augmented reality and what’s coming up next for this innovative tech.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
The media-centric version of augmented reality (AR) is commonly referred to as augmented reality glasses. The application of technology in the head form has never been tried in the history of computer technology, where it is used as a standalone form. The special glasses have a layer in front of your eyes, which allows you to see the real world as an overlay of digital data using your peripheral vision.
What is App:
For interacting with the digital world. It requires no additional hardware and can be carried around in your pocket. It can be easily connected to your computer and placed anywhere in your real-world environment.
What is Software:
It acts like a program installed in the computer system that can run on the system and other platforms like smartphones.
What is the Future of Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) is not really a new technology, in fact, it is the idea behind the current generation of smartphones. Instead of showing a digital screen in the real world, you can now have interactive apps on your smartphone to interact with. The real applications of Augmented Reality are no longer limited to smartphones; we will see a lot of mobile devices integrated with Augmented Reality going forward.
Companies like Google and Facebook are trying to improve AR experiences on mobile devices by adding image recognition to popular apps like Google Maps, Google Photo, and Facebook. Apple is taking it a step further by introducing Augmented Reality capabilities into iPhones in the form of “ARKit”.
How Does It Work?
As VR/AR technology allows users to see and interact with the virtual world while remaining in the real one, Augmented Reality (AR) enhances it by making it a part of our existing reality. Users can now see virtual things and information, but unlike a game of FIFA World Cup, it’s integrated into the physical space and does not require any additional hardware.
How Does It Work?
It has been imagined to run as an app on a device like a smartwatch, a phone, or a tablet. The most popular example for this is the Microsoft HoloLens, which allows users to make hands-free calls, listen to music, play games, read and look at websites, and much more using their smartphone or a stylus.
Who can Download AR Apps?
The above discussion has left out a big share of the audience that may be interested in augmented reality applications. Some of the main groups are AR & VR gamers, real estate agents and business owners, media and entertainment companies, health and fitness professionals, and business/enterprise solution providers.
The most suitable reason to use AR apps in real-life settings is due to their ideal use cases. The AR apps can be used to:
- Provide information on various objects.
- Draw different objects or characters onto a real-world scene.
- Create 3D scenes from the real world to enable user interaction.
- Guide users through a real-world setting to present virtual elements.
- Build animating and dynamic interactive models with volumetric simulation.
Pros and Cons of Augmented Reality
There are pros and cons to both technologies. Many of the things listed above in the reasons why I don’t use or want to use them, there are plenty of folks that feel the opposite about using them. If we look at the second part of the article, what are the pros and cons, it becomes apparent that there are things for both sides to consider.
It’s natural for the new technology to have disadvantages, but oftentimes we can overcome these disadvantages by finding a way around them.
The One Feature That Augmented Reality (AR) Can’t Contain
Some of the features that make AR so wonderful are its mobility and flexibility. With AR, no matter where you are, you can still have access to your computer, as well as your mobile phone.
Augmented Reality Glasses
Some companies are already working on integrating AR into their products, while others such as Microsoft are implementing it into the software development environment. As the technology increases in speed, users can expect to see AR changing how we interact with information and communicate with our loved ones. As well, Augmented Reality is slowly entering the manufacturing world as well, where companies are utilizing it to assist their customers and employees.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality
Augmented reality is a computer simulation of the real world, where computer-generated content (the graphics on your device) is used to display information and interact with the surrounding environment.
Virtual reality (VR) is the opposite of augmented reality. Rather than displaying computer-generated content (the graphics on your device) as part of reality, it is a simulated environment, sometimes featuring graphics that do not exist in reality.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Augmented Reality
If you own an iOS device you may be wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of AR applications.
Disadvantages
- Due to the size constraints, the users cannot zoom, move or switch the view of the augmented reality.
- Unlike smartphones, the AR application needs an Android device to have sufficient computing power to process all the data, something that may be limited to a limited set of users.
Advantages
- AR is a very immersive experience that makes the users feel as if the physical environment around them has been digitally changed.
- It gives a competitive advantage as the users can understand objects in real-time, make relevant decisions, share useful information, and interact with their virtual world in an intuitive and immersive way.
Conclusion
Technology is changing the way we live our lives, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. While we’ve seen a lot of technological innovation, one of the most exciting and interesting advancements in technology is Augmented Reality (AR). Augmented Reality is the process of overlaying digital information and graphics on top of the real world. This blog post will discuss how Augmented Reality works, and what we can expect from the future of AR.
