Augmented Reality (AR) – Perceive the World Differently

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?

AR is a view of the physical, actual-world environment with superimposed computer-generated images changing the perception of reality.

In simple words, Augmented reality first figures out the real-world objects and their positions before adding any digital content to them. Then, it scans a particular area and adds the content over a live stream, making it seem like a part of the real world.

It does not create the whole artificial environment to replace real with a virtual one; instead, it adds sounds, videos, and graphics to an existing domain. 

BENEFITS OF AUGMENTED REALITY

1. Delivers unique experience to users: Without the need for any special software, it allows users to create a unique digital experience with the best of both digital and physical worlds.
2. Quick-decision making: Augmented reality represents data in neatly summarized digital snippets, allowing users not to process too much information to reach a conclusion. It helps users make quick decisions without overloading the mind with extra details.
3. Easy mobile usage: Mobile phone users can quickly work with AR. The user faces the camera towards the object, and the app will show what it can tell about that item.

For example, if you want an idea of how a furniture item would look in your space, you need to point the camera at the area, and the app will show how it would look.

WORKING ON AUGMENTED REALITY

AR works as a combination of machine processing, image reflection, and projection, with side-by-side involvement of cameras and sensors. It allows us to see the real-life environment right before us- trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing balls, but all with a superimposed digital augmentation. 

The initial goal of AR is to highlight and gain a better understanding of specific features of the physical world and derive insight that can be applied to real-world applications.

Let’s look into the widespread applications of AR:

1. Google Maps: AR in Google Maps helps you navigate when traveling. These location-based AR Maps place digital locations on top of the real world, give you detailed directions and solve the issue of not knowing which way to walk.
2. Google lens: As a fast-paced tech company, Google has come up with Google Lens that meets your demands through AR. It is an application that enhances the search experience by reading and understanding the data within the images. Using the camera or a picture, the lens identifies the object and provides all the essential details about it.
3. Snapchat lens: Snapchat has become a trend among today’s generation. It’s known for its AR ‘lenses’ that overlay art on the person clicking a selfie and allows them to enjoy certain face filters. Snapchat is also releasing AR glasses to be used by selected content creators allowing them to place digital concepts into the world around them.
4. Pokemon Go: The mobile app Pokemon Go released in 2016 became an inescapable sensation in no time. The game allowed players to capture Pokemon characters appearing in the real world, like on a sidewalk, in a fountain, or in their room. This exciting option of overlaying computer-generated images on actual-world surroundings helped popularize AR.
5. IKEA: IKEA  is now offering a new augmented reality (AR) application IKEA Place, that allows users to visualize how a product would look and fit within a space. Through an iPhone or an iPad camera, the application scans the stretch of a room, and the user can then drag and drop the desired product onto the area. As a result, the app makes it easier to make buying decisions in the comfort of our homes.

Usage of AUGMENTED REALITY in BUSINESS:

1. Construction and Design – Designers use Augmented Reality to get an insight into what their ideas would look like in a natural environment without having to create costly prototypes. Through AR, clients can better understand the proposed new products’ effect and draw comparisons between the new and the old products.
2. Repairs and Maintenance – AR has made it easier for technicians to work on equipment without referring to printed manuals or detailed instructions. This technology guides them through the steps of repairing and maintaining a wide range of products.
3. Healthcare – AR technology can also detect behavioral health problems resulting in a better understanding and treatment of those diseases. The AR-enabled, tablet-based simulations of patient scenarios allow nurses to better connect with patients.

AUGMENTED REALITY IN EDUCATION

Augmented Reality is gaining popularity in schools everywhere. With AR, educators can engage and interact better with the students, thus improving the learning outcomes. In addition, it is evolving to become more budget-friendly, accessible, and vital- infusing children with the required skills and knowledge to collaborate with others and reach greater heights.

Benefits of AR in the Education sector: 

The seamless use of AR digital objects in the “real world” encourages interaction and engagement. As a result, students can pay more time learning curricular subjects and less time learning the usage of new tech.

AR offers two-dimensional methods of presenting the information. The combination of engagement and interaction with emotion could build their memory skills and lead to faster attainment of knowledge and skills. 

AR provides opportunities for students to work on team projects learning how to collaborate and communicate with each other. It can even stimulate empathy in an individual.

Adopting AR doesn’t require overhauling the curriculum. Simply adding a contextual experience can effectively complement the current educational material. It can stimulate interests and discussions in various disciplines and form the basis of classroom activities.

AR in Education enhances the learning of skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity to better prepare students for the future. 

When compared to virtual reality, AR is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, it offers school districts lower-cost options on a tighter budget while providing the same features and benefits.

Is there a future for augmented reality?

The future of AR is in many sectors like:

• E-commerce

When it comes to future AI use, the retail and e-commerce software sector will continue to lead the pack. It will become more prevalent in both web and mobile applications. 

For example, a person could virtually dress up with accessories like jewelry, shoes, jackets, and sunglasses while using the camera on a smartphone.

• Digital Marketing

With AR technology, digital marketing will become a bit different and aim to alter users’ perceptions. The interaction of users with any brand will become more fascinating. 

AR marketing is most likely going to appear in product packaging, on street signs, in gaming apps, and during product interactions.

• Healthcare Sector

During the pandemic, the healthcare sector has expanded, and there are many ways in which the methods of treatment can change for the better. Luckily, AR has the power to transform the medical industry.

• Resources for Education 

We are fully engaged in a digital world, allowing researchers to employ AR in learning scenarios, forming a better learning experience. Healthcare and the military sectors, in particular, will be operating on powerful AR simulations.

CONCLUSION

AR may have erupted onto the scene as a technique of bringing digital objects into the physical world but has since evolved into a helpful tool for various aspects of our lives. As a result, it has become an everyday occurrence, and so its future appears to be without bounds.