Augmented Reality is a technology that has been around for a few years now, but it is only recently that it has started to gain mainstream traction. Many people are still not familiar with what augmented reality is or how it works, so in this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about augmented reality in 2022.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality can be defined as a technology that allows users to interact with digital content in the genuine world. This content can be anything from text to 3D objects, and it is usually displayed on a screen in front of the user. In some cases, the augmented reality content can also be projected on real-world objects.
To grant a more concrete definition, expanded reality is essentially a live coordinate or roundabout see of a physical , real-world environment whose components are increased by computer-generated perceptual data, now and then over different tactile modalities.
The goal of augmented reality is to improve the real world experience for the user.
The History of Augmented Reality
The very first augmented reality headgear was developed in 2010 by Vuzix, but it wasn’t until 2012 that Google introduced Google Glass that it truly took off.
Since then, AR technology has grown in popularity, and there are now a variety of augmented reality headsets available. The Microsoft HoloLens, the Meta 2, and the Magic Leap are three of the most popular.
Although augmented reality has a very brief history, it is rapidly expanding and becoming more widespread each year.
How Augmented Reality Is Different From Virtual Reality:
Augmented reality is different from virtual reality in the sense that it doesn’t create a completely simulated environment, but instead it just enhances the real world with virtual elements.
| Virtual Reality | Augmented Reality |
| The user is completely immersed in a simulated environment | The user is still aware of their surroundings |
| It allows the users to simultaneously interact with both the real and virtual worlds | Augmented reality is often seen as more practical and useful |
| Virtual reality completely replaces your sense of sight, hearing or touch with another set of senses altogether. The sights, sounds and touch are all replaced by things that you wouldn’t have in the real world | Augmented reality is different from virtual reality in that it serves to supplement your real-world surroundings rather than completely immerse you in another world altogether. |
AR is a unique technology that allows users to experience augmented reality in a whole new way. Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in a completely virtual world, augmented reality allows users to interact with the real world while also experiencing virtual objects and information.
For example, augmented reality may be used to place a digital object such as a statue or machine on your desk that can be viewed normally by you and those close to you. When you move the object, it stays where it is because augmented reality doesn’t change your point of view.
Virtual reality does; when you look left, the image moves with your eyes, and virtual objects don’t stay in place even if you move around or step back a few paces. You have to maintain your position in the virtual reality world, even though it isn’t real.
Augmented Reality Uses:
The main uses of augmented reality include entertainment, education, and business. In 2022, more and more businesses will look to use it to improve customer experience. Augmented reality also has a lot of educational benefits as it is able to enhance your understanding of the world around you in a whole new way.
In fact, it is expected that there will be a rise in the number of schools and universities who use AR to teach students about various subjects.
The uses of augmented reality are almost limitless and they may vary from one app to another, but some of the most
common applications of augmented reality include:
Image Recognition:
Image recognition is one of the most common applications of augmented reality. It allows users to look at objects (closely or from afar) and get information about them.
One of the most popular examples of this application is Google Goggles, which can be used by simply taking a photo with your smartphone.
Augmented Reality Shopping:
Another popular application of augmented reality is shopping. Many retailers are already using augmented reality to create interactive catalogs that allow customers to try on different clothes or view the inside of furniture before they buy it.
Virtual Try-On:
Virtual try-on is another great example of augmented reality in action. It allows users to virtually “try on” clothes and shoes without actually trying them on.
One of the most notable examples of this application is from a company named ModiFace, which created an augmented reality mirror that can be used by any retailer who wants to let its customers “try on” different beauty products.
Customization:
The customization applications of augmented reality are pretty self-explanatory. They allow users to customize objects (be it their house, car or some other product) by simply showing them some virtual options that they can choose between.
Pinterest is one of the most popular examples of this application of augmented reality. It uses augmented reality to help its users decorate their homes and choose between different décor options.
AR-assisted eCommerce:
Another application of augmented reality is eCommerce. Some online retailers use augmented reality to let their customers try on different products and see how they would look in real life without actually trying them out. This application has quickly become popular as it allows users to buy clothes or beauty products much more easily than before.
Pros and Cons of Augmented Reality
As with any new type of technology, there are many pros and cons associated with augmented reality.
| Pros of Augmented Reality: | Cons of Augmented Reality: |
| There are many pros of augmented reality. Some of the most notable ones are: 1. It enhances your insights and understanding of the world around you. 2. It allows you to interact with your surroundings in a much more intuitive way. 3. It blurs the line between the virtual world and the real world. 4. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as entertainment, education, and business. 5. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of technology in the world. 6. It gives you new ways to communicate with others and express yourself. |
Although augmented reality has many pros, it has just as many cons. Some of the most notable ones are: 1. AR technology is still in its early days, meaning that there are some bugs associated with it. 2. It can cause health problems if not used properly. 3. AR is an expensive technology, which means that not all of us will be able to afford it in the near future. |
Now you know everything there is to know about augmented reality and its pros and cons.
Augmented reality has many benefits, but it also has some problems. However, as technology advances and becomes more affordable to consumers, we will be able to enjoy augmented reality without worrying about these issues.
How many industries are being benefited using Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is currently benefiting a number of industries, including education, business, entertainment, and healthcare. Some of the most notable examples are:
1. Education:
Augmented reality is being used in schools all around the world to help students learn in a more interactive and intuitive way.
2. Business:
Augmented reality is being used by businesses to provide customers with a more immersive experience.
3. Healthcare:
Augmented reality is being used by healthcare professionals to improve patient care and treatment.
What is the role of Augmented reality in the Entertainment Industry?
Augmented reality is becoming increasingly popular in the entertainment industry thanks to its ability to provide users with new and exciting experiences. Some of the most popular examples are AR games, such as Pokemon Go, and AR videos, such as those produced by Snapchat.
In fact, according to Statista, Pokemon Go was downloaded more than 100 million times in its first two months of release.
Pixowl raised $5 million in venture capital funding in 2017 for their augmented reality game, “The Sandbox”, which is designed to be played on mobile devices.
Augmented Reality Examples
The best way to understand what augmented reality can do is to take a look at some of the most impressive examples.
The following are some of the best Augmented Reality Apps currently available on the market:
Layar Reality Browser
Layar Reality Browser is one of the most popular AR browsers on the market. It was initially released in 2009 and became an instant hit with its users. The app has been downloaded more than 10 million times and it allows users to virtually see their surroundings on the screen of their device.
More specifically, Layar Reality Browser uses a technology known as “markerless tracking” that allows it to identify objects in the video feed from your camera and show you relevant information about them.
Wikitude World Browser
Wikitude World Browser is another popular AR browser that allows users to view their surroundings on the screen of their devices.
It was first released in 2008 and it quickly became an instant hit with its users. The app has been downloaded more than 10 million times and it allows users to identify objects on the video feed from their camera and get information about them.
More specifically, Wikitude uses a technology known as “marker-based tracking”. Marker-based tracking is more accurate than markerless tracking and it’s typically used in apps that must offer more precise AR experience.
Microsoft HoloLens
Microsoft HoloLens is a unique augmented reality headset that allows its users to experience AR in a whole new way.
It was initially announced in 2015 and it uses a technology known as “mixed reality”. Mixed reality allows the device to generate virtual 3D objects that can be viewed and experienced by the user as if they were really there.
More specifically, HoloLens uses a technology known as “see-through lenses” to achieve this effect.
While most augmented reality headsets use transparent displays, HoloLens projects virtual objects on top of the real world environment and allows users to see them through these lenses.
Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that takes advantage of augmented reality to provide its users with a unique experience. The game was initially announced in 2015 and went viral in just a few months. This happened mostly thanks to the increased popularity of AR.
The game uses augmented reality to allow its users to “catch” Pokemon that virtually appear on their screens and then transfer them into the real world using a special device known as Pokemon Go Plus.
IKEA Place
IKEA Place is an augmented reality application for iOS and Android devices that allows users to see how IKEA furniture looks in their homes before purchasing them.
It was initially announced in 2017 and it quickly became a commercial success thanks to the increased popularity of AR.
The app uses marker-less tracking technology to identify objects in the video feed from your camera and then determine their position in relation to one another.
You can download Layar Reality Browser, Wikitude World Browser, IKEA Place, etc. from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How to get Augmented Reality Apps and How much do they cost ?
To get augmented reality apps, you need a smartphone or tablet with AR software installed on it. After that, all you have to do is find an AR app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download it. As for how much these apps cost , this will vary depending on the app you choose.
Future of Augmented Reality
The future of augmented reality looks very bright. With the increasing popularity of AR, more and more people are starting to become aware of its benefits. As a result, the technology is quickly becoming more advanced and affordable.
This is good news for everyone, as it means that augmented reality will soon be accessible to a wider range of people.
In addition, as augmented reality becomes more popular, we can expect to see more innovative uses for it. For example, businesses are beginning to use it to improve customer experience, and researchers are using it to improve our understanding of the world around us.
Overall, the future of augmented reality looks very bright and exciting. We can expect to see many more innovative applications for it in the years to come.
By 2022, it is expected that this technology will go mainstream and the majority of people will have smartphones with AR apps installed on them. Augmented reality has a lot to offer and it truly deserves our attention.
Job supported in augmented reality
Some experts believe that augmented reality has the potential to completely change the way we work. For example, it is possible to imagine a future where people can work from anywhere in the world, thanks to the help of augmented reality.
In addition, augmented reality can be used to improve communication and collaboration between team members. This is because it allows team members to see each other’s faces and work together in a virtual space.
Augmented reality has also been shown to be very helpful for training employees. For example, it is possible to imagine a future where employees can be trained on how to use new equipment without having to be present in person.
Overall, augmented reality has a lot to offer businesses and it is likely to completely transform the way we work in the future.
Augmented reality is a rapidly growing industry, and if you want to stay on top of the latest trends, it is a good idea to keep an eye on this technology. It has the potential to completely change the world, so being aware of what is happening in this industry can be very beneficial.
How many people are using Augmented Reality At The moment ?
At the moment, not many people are using augmented reality. However, this is set to change in the near future as the technology becomes more advanced and affordable. In 2022, it is expected that most people will have smartphones with AR apps installed on them.
Interesting facts about augmented reality.
Augmented Reality has also been used to create unique experiences, such as helping blind people see and allowing them to experience new things that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy in real life.
AR is expected to become an integral part of our lives in the near future. Some experts expect this technology to become one of the most important technologies in our society, second only to mobile technology.
Augmented Reality World Market Size
Augmented Reality is a technology that uses computer-generated images to enhance or alter reality. The market size for augmented reality is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, as the technology becomes more advanced and affordable.
The augmented reality market size is expected to grow from 998.3 million u s dollars in 2017 to 82,377.8 million u s dollars by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 79.74%.
Conclusion
To conclude, augmented reality has many benefits and it is set to become even more popular in the near future. As it becomes more accessible, we can expect to see more innovative uses for it. If you’re interested in augmented reality, then you should definitely look into getting a smartphone with AR apps.