What is the future of augmented reality in mobile applications?

Introduction about AR (Augmented Reality) Apps

When augmented reality was launched, it was not specifically developed for smartphones, but it’s already become the emerging trend. Experts predict that in the next upcoming years augmented reality technology will be used widely and in almost every business sector.

Well, many people think AR in mobile applications was recently launched technology, but the fact is it was launched ten years before. However, the AR in mobile application got famous after the success of the Pokemon Go game. The few reasons it is famous now in the development of mobile applications are- fast processor, high-quality camera, graphic representation on mobile phones and tablets, and high-speed internet.

The AR technology consumes an enormous amount of data in just fractions of seconds, with the emergence of 4G internet mobile phones, the applications are capable of responding to this. The 4G compatible mobile phone devices are widely used, which is the basic requirement to use augmented reality mobile applications. 

In this blog post, you’ll get to know about how AR technology is making changes in our lives when deployed into mobile applications. We will follow the few major industries like trade, tourism, business, and education that have a tremendous impact on AR in the mobile application, but first, let’s understand what is AR?

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is a technology where designers use the real environment to add virtual objects in real-time. Developers create input from sounds, graphics to GPS, and many other digital contents to change the user’s environment. But the fun fact of the technology is not only designed for the entertainment industry.

Augmented Reality to Increase Sales in Commerce

The growth of e-commerce is increasing rapidly, and all the various fields of companies are using it to sell their items online. Another important point is that 61% of online buyers are using smartphones for shopping. Though it is difficult to reduce the gap between a real store and online shopping, despite having high-quality photos of products, images, videos, and detailed information of products. But AR in mobile applications offers advanced solutions. 

AR technology integrated with mobile applications offers an environment where users can try the product virtually. Most of the top cosmetic brands already have applications where women can see how they look with distinct types of makeup. The technology uses an algorithm with facial recognition when you use a smartphone camera. The technology focuses on your face cuts and expression to showcase you the realistic vision after you select a certain combination of makeup.

This technology can be used in the online trade of shoes, clothes, and accessories. Users can try the product before making the purchase that helps them in making excellent decisions. This definitely reduces the chances of return application. Also, the furniture companies can enjoy the perks of AR mobile application to display to the customers how the furniture would look in their home.

It’s not that AR mobile applications are just limited to e-commerce. There are also successful examples where AR is used in the real store. Consumers can scan the product and they can read about the detailed information or rating of the product online to know more about the brand. Companies are using AR mobile applications in both ways online and live commerce claim that is helping them in revenue generation.

Innovations in tourism based on AR technology

Along with e-commerce, tourism is also emerging industry that highly uses AR mobile applications. Restaurants, spa, and hotels all are offering virtual tours with customizable objects which give users an idea of a place where they will visit. It also increases the chance of pre-booking. These apps are integrated with payment gateways and card payment options and also offer discounts on vouchers, which appeal to customers. 

Mobile applications will play a crucial role in the virtual world. With the emergence of AR technology, the travel guidance for tourists became easier and more effective. Earlier, the use of public transport is more complex, but now it gets easier. All you have to do is scan a stop, you’ll get information about the checkpoints, route of the bus, how long you have to wait for the next car or bus. And if you are visiting any tourist place, scan the landmarks, you’ll get the historical information, rating and reviews of the place.

Applying augmented reality in business activities

Companies can develop their mobile application for internal use to enhance the productivity and efficiency of employees. AR technology is here to support certain activities. Here are some procedures which are already used by many companies.

AR technology helps maintain employees by directly providing user manuals when they are required. Professionals can check the diagrams and read the information that is required to use or repair the machine. Here we note that the AR technology enhances productivity.

AR is mostly used in designing products and in building advanced machines for construction. In most cases, it is used in designing the layouts so they can organize and customize each part of the machine individually.

Augmented Reality at the Service of Education

In the upcoming years, students may learn about 3-D models in a real environment. This will help students in learning more easily and also explain the topics more effectively. Imagine how automobile students study the parts of the car using virtual models that can be easily operated.

Using AR mobile applications in the education sector has several important advantages. Firstly, students can learn anytime or anywhere they want. And another one is the cost of constructing a real building is low compared to the virtual learning platforms. These new advanced learning tools are not only limited to universities, schools, and institutions, but companies can also use it to train their employees.

Conclusion

In 2020, we already witnessed the innovation of mobile applications integrated with augmented reality, and many hardware products use this technology to increase company sales. In the upcoming years, the development of it would be at a higher pace. As I mentioned earlier, progress is fast; it will play an integral part in our day-to-day lives and work.