The mobile augmented reality (AR) market was valued at approximately $12.45 billion in 2021, and it’s predicted to grow to over US$36 billion by 2026. The options for mobile AR are vast and include smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices in this category.
AR may not be as prevalent as virtual reality yet, but it’s definitely on the rise in the tech world. In recent years, various industries have used augmented reality to achieve their goals. You’ve probably seen or used an app that spices up the real world with interactive, digital elements. This trend is only going to get stronger as augmented reality apps increase audience engagement.
In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of this technology, how it stands out from VR, use cases in different sectors, and how to get started building an AR app with LITSLINK.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a special technology that fuses digital images, videos, and other visuals with the real world. The beauty of AR development lies in its ability to not only create new markets but also expand existing ones. It has applications in a variety of fields, including video games, live events, movies, sales, education, healthcare, and real estate.
Despite AR’s popularity, there are some factors that hinder its widespread adoption. The cost of AR devices still deters some people, but large companies are making efforts to solve this problem by offering products at incredibly low prices or even for free. This approach fosters an understanding of the full potential of augmented reality mobile apps and software, drawing investments from individuals and businesses.
For today’s entrepreneurs, there are compelling numerical reasons to embrace augmented reality in their ventures:
- There were 1.1 billion mobile AR users worldwide in 2022.
- Snapchat, a popular social media app that integrates augmented reality into its core technical architecture, has 383 million daily active users.
- Another augmented reality app, Pokémon Go, has been downloaded 678 million times worldwide as of 2023.
Creating augmented reality involves using technical systems, such as a camera and special software, which analyze the surrounding space and place digital objects in it. The process usually goes as follows:
- The camera captures an image of the space within its field of view.
- Depending on the type of augmented reality app, it determines how to position the digital object.
- The app then places the object and the user witnesses the captivating result.
- These processes run simultaneously and allow for an amazingly realistic level of interaction.
Augmented Reality Vs Virtual Reality: What is VR?
Now, you may wonder, how augmented reality and virtual reality are different. The answer is simple: AR inserts digital objects into the image of the real environment, while VR creates a completely digital environment and transports you there with the help of devices like VR glasses.
VR headsets completely take over your vision, giving you the feeling of being somewhere else. When you put on headsets like the PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 2, or Valve Index, they block out your surroundings. When you turn them on, the lenses break the screens inside them and fill your field of vision with what’s being shown. This could be a game, a 360-degree video, or simply the virtual platform’s interface. In the visual sense, you’re transported into the virtual world, and the real world disappears—hence the name.
Examples of Augmented Reality in Different Sectors
Augmented reality is on the rise and is having a major impact on various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. 72% of AR users say they would shop more often using AR apps. This is a huge potential for businesses to tap into. AR is becoming a part of our everyday lives and changing how we do things.
Let’s take a look at some fascinating real-world examples of how AR is shaping the future of business.
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Manufacturing
In industries like manufacturing, errors can be very costly and time-consuming. Even a small mistake can result in a product needing to be rebuilt or improved, causing major headaches.
Augmented reality is a fantastic solution to catch these mistakes early on. With this technology, you can create 3D prototypes of products that you can easily see and understand. Business leaders can then make the right decisions quickly and their teams can work more efficiently. This speeds up the whole process and increases profits.
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Education
Augmented reality is a game-changer for educators, revolutionizing students’ learning outcomes through immersive experiences.
AR tools like ThirdEye X2 smart glasses step up traditional teaching by immersing students in exciting adventures, breaking down barriers to learning. These tools make even complex problems a breeze with simplified classroom instructions.
Moreover, the device opens the door to remote learning, where students can receive live mentoring and hands-free support. It’s a whole new level of learning made easy.
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Healthcare
Healthcare and medicine benefit incredibly from augmented reality glasses. Surgeons can use them to project X-rays or CAT images over patients’ bodies, improving the precision of surgeries. In addition, doctors can access patient data in real time without interruption during surgery.
Augmented reality glasses like Google Glass have a significant impact on healthcare delivery. They improve accuracy and safety by allowing healthcare professionals to:
- Work hands-free
- Access training videos
- Use images with annotations
- Follow quality assurance checklists
- Record and share voice communications
- Connect with colleagues via live video streams
- Collaborate and troubleshoot issues in real time
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Retail
Top retailers like IKEA, Amazon and Sephora are taking e-commerce to the next level with augmented reality interfaces on mobile devices and wearable glasses. Their apps support customers in real time and make the buying process a breeze.
For instance, the IKEA AR mobile app lets you take photos of your living room and measure the space. Then, it suggests furniture that fits perfectly. And how about Sephora’s virtual makeup try-on? You can test any lipstick color without applying it to your lips.
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Marketing
Augmented reality marketing is becoming a go-to tool for companies looking to enhance their product discovery experience. With this technology, brands can create immersive ads that engage viewers emotionally.
These ads are highly fascinating and allow consumers to interact with them in real time. This leads to fantastic conversion rates and leaves a positive impression.
Take, for example, the Pepsi ad in the bus shelter AR. It launched the campaign with the message “Live For Now.” The ad brought unique virtual elements to life on the screen of a bus shelter, creating incredible experiences.
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Gaming
Immersive technologies have found a perfect place in the world of gaming. By merging virtual environments with the real world, players are fully immersed in their game.
Augmented reality technology takes gaming to a whole new level and extends the fun beyond the confines of a smartphone screen.
Pokémon GO is a groundbreaking AR game that invites players to embark on an adventure in their actual surroundings. By using a smartphone’s camera, GPS, and other features, it creates a location-based experience. Players become Pokémon masters and catch monsters hidden in various locations in the real world.
Choosing the Right Software Development Partner
With so many companies offering VR/AR development services, it can be difficult to choose the right one that delivers the best app to captivate your customers. To help you decide, here’s a list of factors that will help you find the perfect augmented reality software development partner.
Expertise in AR technologies and frameworks
If your business is diving into the world of augmented reality for the first time, you might not be familiar with all the ins and outs of this field. That’s why it’s best to hire a development partner with prior experience in the technology. Look closely at the developer’s portfolio before making your decision. Check out our previous projects to assess our experience in developing AR/VR apps.
Track record of successful projects
In such a competitive market, finding the best development partner can be difficult. However, customer reviews are an excellent source of information about the quality of the developer. Platforms like Goodfirms provide helpful online research and reviews. You can check LITSLINK’s track record and read feedback from satisfied clients before hiring them for your project.
Understanding and aligning with your goals
It’s important that you list down all your requirements accurately to create an effective augmented reality app. Once you’re clear about your needs, you should communicate them to the development company you’re considering.
The next step is to see if the company really understands your requirements and can guide you on their feasibility. They should also be able to correct you if you misjudge the viability of your needs.
How to Get Started with LITSLINK’s AR App Development
Starting an augmented reality app development project with us can be done through a simple step-by-step process. First, you can contact us through the website or directly with the company. Once you have made contact, you’ll be assigned a dedicated project manager who will guide you through the entire development process. They will discuss your requirements, goals and target audience with you to better understand your ideas.
We encourage open and transparent communication throughout the project while helping you create a robust augmented reality app. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved is on the same page, resulting in a more efficient development process and a final product that meets your requirements.
The timeline, budget considerations, and potential return on investment (ROI) are key aspects that we consider. We provide you with a detailed project timeline that lists the various development phases and milestones. In addition, the manager will work with you to set a budget that meets your financial requirements.
Conclusion
Augmented reality covers several application areas, and more will pop up soon. By trying out to make an outstanding offer, you attract potential customers who are looking for a special experience. This is your chance to lead the market and take advantage of mobile AR for your business.
Get in touch with us now to hire experienced AR developers for your multimedia mobile apps on Android and iOS platforms at affordable prices!
