What constitutes augmented reality?

The advent of Pokemon Go in July 2016 shook the business world. The stock price of the game's parent company, Nintendo, increased by 200 percent in the days following its debut. However, what was the key to this success? The game first emulated a sense of adventure by emphasizing outside the house and discovering Pokemon. Additionally, the app allowed users to observe Pokemon in their surroundings. AR is the acronym for Augmented Reality.

As its name suggests, Augmented Reality employs technology to enhance our vision of the world around us. It employs technology to superimpose visual or audible features in the real world. Pokemon Go employed augmented reality to display Pokemon on our phone displays as they appeared worldwide. This heightened the 'wonder' aspect of the game and drew many players. Since 2016, more developers have created augmented reality (AR) applications. PairPlay, which uses shared AirPods to create an aural experience similar to a real-life blog episode, illustrates this.

AR vs VR
AR should not be confused with Virtual Reality (VR). Augmented Reality keeps components of the real world and augments them with additional functionality. VR, on the other hand, mimics a whole new environment unaffected by the real world, typically through the use of headgear. The objective of augmented reality is to enrich the real world. In contrast, the purpose of virtual reality is to remove us from reality and provide a truly immersive, natural law-free experience.

The Metaverse is a Virtual Reality example. Numerous IT titans, including Microsoft and Meta, are throwing their hats into the Metaverse ring to establish a connected reality of personal worlds. One would appear in their "meta world" via a customizable avatar, and they would also be able to personalize their worlds. In addition, individuals could stage concerts, acquire virtual shoes, and open virtual shops. In a subsequent blog, we will address VR and the Metaverse in further detail.

Utilizations of AR

AR is utilized in numerous professions and industries. We have already addressed its entertainment and gaming applications, such as Pokemon Go and PairPlay. AR can also be utilized in retail, particularly in the cosmetics, paint, fashion, and furniture industries. Using AR, prospective purchasers may, for instance, visualize what a space would look like in a given color or with a certain piece of furniture. IKEA already offers an app with comparable functionality. Additionally, buyers could virtually test on makeup and clothing through AR-enhanced mirrors.

The motorcycle maker Harley Davidson is also developing a showroom-compatible app. Through the app, a consumer may realistically compare and configure various motorcycles. Also utilizing AR glasses and goggles for logistics and storage needs are companies like DHL.

Schools and educators can also benefit from augmented reality technology. Using simulation software, students can interact with realistic models, view maps, and simulate chemical reactions. These are only a few applications of augmented reality. Additional examples include architecture, the medical business, tourism, and military training.

Pros versus Cons
Augmented Reality has numerous general advantages. First, it alters our perspective of the world. In actual terms. This permits us to perceive data and choices we wouldn't otherwise and think creatively. Additionally, it improves social relationships and communication. In addition, it helps improve the productivity and logistics of a business. Augmented reality in showrooms could attract clients even without the "wow" element.

AR is also simple to use, requiring only a smartphone or goggles and minimal setup. It can be connected to other intelligent gadgets and appliances to form the Internet of Things (IoT).

There are not many drawbacks to AR, but we will discuss a few. While augmented reality is simple to use and execute on a small scale, it would be rather costly to integrate it across several stores fully. Moreover, people might become addicted to augmented reality, and because of its very realistic character, people may be psychologically influenced by games that show violence or war.