Exploring the concept of augmented reality: a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, providing an enhanced and interactive visual experience.
Updated Article:
Hey there, buddy! Fancy diving into the high-tech world of augmented reality (AR)? In 2020, it went full throttle, skyrocketing in popularity due to the pandemic and reaching a whopping $15.3 billion market value. Experts predict the AR active devices will surge to 1.73 billion by 2024. But what exactly is this AR magic all about? Keep reading to learn how it all works, what the deal is with virtual reality (VR), and how these two nosy neighbors differ.
So, What's All This Augmented Reality Wackiness?
AR gives you a terrific, interactive feel of the real-life environment, enriched with digital goodies. It's like a blend of reality and illusion, or as we like to call it, a mind-blowing marvel! Think of a park with swaying trees and a dragon touchdown — that's just a pinch of what AR can offer. Yeah, it's way more than just a fun ride. AR can be a powerful learning tool for professionals, like doctors in training, or a part of your favorite shopping app that lets you try clothes without leaving the couch.
History of AR – A Nerdy Trek Back in Time
AR made its debut in 1957 with the Sensorama, a machine that delivered sounds, vibrations, smells, and visuals to viewers. It was the first step in adding data to an experience. Fast forward to 1968, and computer scientist Ivan Sutherland at Harvard created an AR head-mounted display system, paving the way for advancements in the coming decades. Commercial use of AR popped up in 2008 when a German company made a magazine ad of a BMW Mini come to life on screens connected to the physical ad. Since then, AR has seen several groundbreaking moments:
- ARQuake (2000) – an outdoor mobile AR game
- ARToolkit in Adobe Flash (2009)
- Google Glass beta (2013)
- HoloLens support and announcement by Microsoft (2015)
- 3D printing and AI (2018-2019)
How Does AR Work in Real Life?
Wanna know how to get your AR on? Well, first, make sure you have a smartphone — that's where the AR magic mostly happens these days. With the spread of smartphones, AR opens up new opportunities for exploration. Besides games, what are the coolest uses of AR?
- Education – augmented reality makes learning a whole lot more effective than traditional methods like manuals. It's used for powerful simulations in military, healthcare, and other fields.
- Shopping – try on clothes or test-drive cosmetics right from the comfort of your home or virtually kick the tires on a car before buying.
- Digital marketing – augmented reality makes customers' experience more exciting by incorporating unique features into packaging, apps, and other platforms.
- Navigation – AR can superimpose directions over the live view of the road.
- Entertainment – sports broadcasts use AR to analyze games with virtual lines on the field.
- History – AR overlays ancient civilizations over today's ruins on historical sites.
VR vs. AR – Isn't It All Just Magic and Dreams?
To put it simply, AR uses the real world and splashes virtual information on top of it, making things seem more lifelike. VR, on the other hand, transports users to an entirely new world created by computers. AR is roughly 25% virtual and 75% real, whereas VR is 75% virtual and 25% real.
Immersion
AR only partially immerses the user into the action, whereas VR fully immerses the user. VR takes control of the visual senses, while AR lets users stay in touch with the real world.
Practicalities
AR requires 100 Mbps bandwidth, whereas no AR headset is necessary. VR requires at least a 50 Mbps connection and an AR or VR headset.
Staying in Touch with the Real World
AR enables users to keep tabs on the real world while interacting with virtual objects. VR isolates users from the real world, taking them to a make-believe land.
Main Benefits
AR offers individualized learning and fosters growth in various fields. VR offers immersive learning and improves work capabilities by making education more accessible.
The Future of AR – The Not-So-Distant Horizon
AR is expected to expand rapidly, with the most significant growth yet to come. Here are some trends on the horizon:
- AR in Shopping and Retail – Virtual fitting rooms are already popular. The global market is predicted to reach $10 billion by 2027. Enhanced user comfort is at the forefront, with AR capable of processing lighting conditions, providing personalized advice, and advanced facial recognition.
- Navigation – AR is growing in popularity for in-store navigation. We anticipate this to develop, making it easier for customers to find precisely what they're looking for while shopping in person. Apple's ARKit 4 even offers a tool for outdoor AR navigation called Geo Tracking, which uses a street view to ensure the most precise positioning.
- The Automotive Industry – AR will significantly benefit drivers by providing information that assists in viewing the road. For example,displaying virtual objects to drivers on the road may help prepare them for potential hazards.
- Events – AR can offer a unique experience for attendees at career fairs, sports events, and more. Imagine interacting with holograms of sports players in your living room!
That's a wrap! AR is expected to continue its impressive rise, with exciting new trends on the horizon. Stay tuned to find out what the future holds!
Author: Rafał Siejca
Rafal has over twenty years of corporate experience, including roles at Millennium Bank, Comarch, and leading software teams at PZU, one of Europe's largest insurance companies. As one of Poland's few true VR experts with a decade of experience, he ensures timely, high-quality project delivery as CEO and CTO.
Enrichment Data:- Immersive Nature: Both AR and VR are immersive technologies designed to enhance user experience by integrating digital elements with real-world environments (in the case of AR) or creating entirely new digital environments (in the case of VR)[4].
- Use of Technology: Both use digital simulations and 3D graphics to interact with users, relying on hardware and software components like sensors and rendering systems[4].
- Industry Applications: Both AR and VR are used in various industries such as education, gaming, healthcare, tourism, and retail to provide interactive experiences[4].
- Environment Interaction: AR overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing users to see their surroundings simultaneously with digital content, enhancing understanding or interaction [1][4]. VR creates a completely virtual environment, immersing users in a simulated world that replaces the real one [3][4].
- Devices Used: AR typically uses smartphones, tablets, or glasses to display digital content over real-world surroundings [4]. VR needs VR headsets like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR to immerse users in a virtual environment [3][4].
- AR Main Benefits: Offers individualized learning, fosters continuous improvement, and enables users to share experiences over long distances [4].
- VR Main Benefits: Offers immersive learning, creates an interactive environment, and increases work capabilities [4].
Augmented reality is a terrific learning tool, especially in professional fields like medicine, where it's used for powerful simulations. It leverages technology to enhance reality with digital information, making learning more engaging and effective.
Moreover, technology plays a crucial role in both augmented reality and virtual reality, as they both rely on digital simulations and 3D graphics to interact with users, relying on hardware and software components like sensors and rendering systems.
