Many don’t realize the power and benefits of augmented reality. It’s more than fun tech for your smartphone.
Augmented reality creates a powerful interactive environment in the real world. That’s why businesses are interested in augmented reality.
Here’s what augmented reality is, and how it can benefit your business.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that projects and superimposes digital elements into the real world. This could be computer graphics, video, sound, or other elements.
Unlike VR or virtual reality, which is entirely simulated, AR supplements existing reality with these digital elements. AR has been around for a while. But smartphones and improvements in technology have made AR more possible than ever.
Some examples of popular AR apps you may have heard of include Pokemon Go, Google Maps, and Google Translate.
Augmented Reality in Business
Augmented reality can be a powerful tool for businesses in any industry.
AR allows shoppers to try on clothes and makeup before they buy. Or they can redecorate their home with new furniture. If they don’t like it, they can swap it out for a new piece of furniture, or move it to a different point in the room.
In the real estate industry, AR can show space as it actually exists in 3D. Looking at flat photos of a space online isn’t the same as being able to see the space for yourself and walk through it.
AR can also translate local street signs and provide navigation routes for the tourist and travel industry. Museums can provide virtual tours of their exhibits.
Major brands like MTV, Tesco, IKEA, and Cadbury have already created AR experiences. They have seen the value of engaging with consumers in a new way.
The Benefits of Augmented Reality
A huge benefit of AR is that it allows for a tailored, customizable experience. A customer can interact with AR and have a personalized experience. It’s much more engaging than browsing a traditional digital storefront or website.
The term “augmented reality” refers to a set of technologies that overlay a computer-generated picture over a user’s perspective of the actual world, creating a composite vision that is part reality and part digital picture.
The word augmented comes from the term augment, which means to add something. Graphics, text, noises, and even touch input are added to the real world in augmented reality (AR). AR differs from virtual reality (VR), which requires the user to wear a headset and immerse themselves in a completely computer-generated world. AR merely overlays virtual information on top of the existing surroundings. Augmented reality users are immersed in a new and enhanced environment in which virtual information is employed to aid real-world tasks.
AR is a great marketing tool. Creating a unique AR experience creates its own unique marketing buzz. It can be used to show off the features of a product or highlight
AR isn’t only for B2C situations. It can also be used in B2B transactions to create eye-catching sales presentations, or to show off the specific details of a product or manufacturing process.
These are just some augmented reality benefits. If you want to discover more you should try AR for yourself.
Augmented Reality is a Powerful Business Tool
For AR to be successful, it needs to be easy to use and intuitive for the user. The best AR app in the world won’t be a success if users can’t learn how to use it. Now that you know about augmented reality and the benefits of augmented reality, you can consider using it in your next business venture.