The traction towards augmented reality is challenging business leaders to figure out innovative ways to harness the potential of immersive technology. However, leveraging such a technology is not without impediments. The gap between the real and digital world constantly limits our ability to utilize an ocean of information produced by smart products. Even though our reality is three-dimensional, the buffer of data we possess is still trapped on 2D pages and screens.
Augmented reality technology promises to bridge this gulf between digital and real and make us capable to reach untapped human capabilities. Despite being in the nascent stage, the technology is stirring a hurricane in the world of technology and innovation. The post addresses pressing questions on augmented reality technology, its working and the benefits we can derive from it.
Understanding Augmented Reality Technology
So what is augmented reality exactly? Will it affect us? If so, then how? Let’s find out.
AR technology transforms the bulk of our data and analytics into images or animations that are overlaid on the real world. In other words, augmented reality unites the digital world with the real world by adding digital elements onto your smartphone camera and creating an illusion of digital content being a part of your real world. Sounds interesting right? The technology is way more than that. It promises to transform how we make a decision, learn and interact with the physical world. Moreover, companies can utilize the technology to train employees, design and create products and keep an eye on the competition among others.
Through this technology, you can visualize products and imagine how would look or feel without actually visiting the store and purchasing it. For example- If you want to buy an eye frame, you don’t need to head to your nearest optical store as you can try out different specs right from your home just as LensKart gives you a virtual try-on experience where you can try as many frames as you like to see which one looks great on your face.
How Does Augmented Reality Work?
Now that you are well acquainted with the augmented reality technology, it’s time to know how it works. AR uses core elements like computer vision, simultaneous localization, mapping and depth tracking to process data so that it can present the digital content on reality that the user is looking at. Here is how it all works- Computer vision uses live camera feed to interpret and read the world around a user. This way, only relevant digital content is shown to the user. The content is rendered realistically so as it appears to be a part of the real world.
Here’s an example to understand this process- when you download Pokémon Go app on your smartphone, you can easily catch a Pokémon on your device. Now how does it happen? The secret behind capturing virtually created characters lies in augmented reality. The technology leveraged Google Maps and superimposed computer-generated image of Pokémons on a given user’s view of their real environment. It created an integrated, semi-artificial reality using virtual components laid over existing real-life items such as rooms, alleys, hotels, etc. The game uses GPS technology, camera and clock to integrate information with an in-game map. This way it generates a fantastic version of real world on your phone. You can find Pokémons in their natural habitat and pretty much anywhere. The real algorithm used for distributing Pokémon is a secret that we’ll never get to know.
Augmented Reality Vs Virtual Reality Vs Mixed Reality- What’s the difference?
People often get confused between augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality. Each technology is completely different from one another. Augmented reality where talk about interacting with artificially objects in real world, virtual reality on the other hand, is about simulation of real life scenarios. Mixed reality is a concept that uses AR and VR technology to interact with virtual objects in real. Here are the major differences between these three emerging technologies.
| Augmented Reality (AR) | Virtual Reality (VR) | Mixed Reality (MR) |
| Is a technology that adds virtual stuff in real world | Is a computer-generated simulation of real life situation or environment | Is a blend of both AR and VR technology |
| AR is used in smartphones and tablets that use camera to show the view of real world and put a layer of information on top of that view. This information can be an image or text or anything else. | Requires wearing a headset such as Oculus that creates imaginary reality for entertainment, video, gaming, 3D movies etc | Requires a special MR headset to see the physical environment. In mixed reality, you can interact with virtual objects placed in the real world as if they were real objects |
| Snapchat lenses and Pokémon Go game are the best examples of augmented reality apps | With virtual reality apps, one can explore places that seem like a dream. For e.g, you can dive the pacific ocean, explore moon’s surface, or reach the top of Mt. Everest. | Microsoft’s HoloLens and Lenovo Explorer are the classic examples of mixed reality technology |
Augmented Reality Apps Worth Trying
Augmented reality has turned science fiction into practical reality. The technology with unconventional ideas seems to grow rapidly as more and more companies are looking forward to use it for their own sophisticated technologies. Below are some phenomenal augmented reality apps that will make your jaw drop:
- SketchAR, for those interested in drawing
- YouCam Makeup to apply makeup on your picture
- LensKart to try out frames without going to the store
- BBC Civilization AR for history lovers
- Mondly to learn a new language
AR is fairly an unchartered territory that promises a better understanding of the world around us. In the future, you may expect to see exciting new developments in this dimension. For now, the technology is limited to smartphones and tablets, but who knows the day when it can happen on any device with a camera. No matter what, the future of augmented reality is surely bright.
