Augmented reality, commonly called AR, is an interactive experience that combines a view of the real world with computer-generated elements in real time.
How augmented reality(AR) differs from virtual reality(VR)
They may seem like similar technologies – but are fundamentally different.
- Virtual reality (VR) creates a completely synthetic virtual world within a headset. As the user, you are placed inside a 3D environment and can then move around and interact with completely computer-generated elements.
- Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, keeps you grounded in the real world, and it overlays virtual elements as a visual layer within that environment. AR system will understand the real environment well enough to be able to position relevant synthetic elements “in front of” and “behind” real objects and otherwise be able to interact with the real world in a meaningful way.
Applications for AR
AR’s value is in the way it can interpret, manipulate, and enhance the view of the real world in real time. Here are some ways in which AR can be used and is actively being used:
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With more people shopping from home and less emphasis on public retail spaces, AR will allow consumers to see how products will look in their own homes before purchasing them. This is a huge benefit in the retail space.
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Overlaying information about local businesses when viewing the immediate surrounding on the phone’s display with callouts showing where nearby restaurants are located along with basic information such as how far away we are. This is just another variation of the head-up display (HUD) like in Mazda CX9 that overlays navigation information on the windshield, helping you drive without looking away from the road.
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AR is finding its way into curriculum to enhance traditional learning methods. For example, textbooks can be marked with codes that, when scanned by a smartphone, can display additional content or 3D visualizations.
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AR allows restaurants to display menu items with its ingredients, and useful nutritional information, and their customization! As a result, a more immersive food experience can be offered to diners by helping them imagine what offerings will look like before ordering them.
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AR also has great potential in the coming years to significantly reduce reliance on physical technical manuals and improve productivity at the same time by overlaying relevant information in a worker’s field of view while performing maintenance or other tasks.
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AR has a lot of potential for entertainment as well. TikTok has recently introduced branded AR effects that users can add to their videos.
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Vaalthu greeting cards can overlay video or 3d objects on the card providing the warmth of personal touch covering the BEST of both physical and virtual worlds!
Augmented relaity is no doubt just the beginning of a race to create ever-more compelling AR experiences that blur the line between real and virtual!