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What is augmented reality and how does it work?
AR systems generally consist of three main components:
- A display device, such as a smartphone or tablet
- An Augmented Reality software application
- A “marker”, that is, an image that the software can recognize.
When these three elements are combined, the user can see computer-generated images superimposed on their real environment.
Unlike virtual reality, which uses theartificial intelligence To create a completely new environment, augmented reality uses the existing environment and complements it.
Augmented reality systems also use compasses and calculations to track the user's location and orientation.
This information is then used to generate an appropriate augmented reality experience.
Whether on mobile devices or front-facing screens, the natural environment is displayed using AR glasses (also known as HUD) and AR applications, with computer-generated objects superimposed on them.
The existing natural environment is thus transposed into the digital world and vice versa, allowing for a more immersive and interactive experience.
An augmented reality system also enhances the user's view of the natural world with computer-generated images, video, or audio.
When it comes to understanding how AR works, much of the work is done using head-mounted displays that ensure a consistent AR experience.
There are several versions and models of these portable devices, and some AR applications and companies are developing their own hardware.
What do you need to create an AR experience - hardware, software, or both?
Creating an AR experience starts with the right hardware.
With a mixture of virtual and real objects, an AR device includes hardware that can track the user's movements and reproduce images in 3D.
In other words, Augmented Reality devices use the resources offered by this hardware to take real world environments and add computer-generated elements to them.
Whether it's the right AR headset or the computing power required, hardware is critical to a good AR experience.
Software is just as important when it comes to having digital visual elements properly superimposed on the real world.
An Augmented Reality software application uses algorithms to track user movements and generate the appropriate response that constitutes the experience.
As such, the right software can make all the difference between an immersive augmented reality experience and a disappointing one.
Limits of augmented reality technologies
First of all, this technology is still in its infancy.
While the real-time superposition of elements through head-up displays is an excellent concept, and if augmented reality applications are used in specific scenarios and sectors, there are still some limitations for general applications.
In everyday life, real animations created using computer graphics can seem out of place when layered on top of each other.
Developers should therefore be attentive to how they use artificial reality technology and ensure that the final product is not shocking or fake.
Furthermore, the AR devices available are currently expensive and require a fairly large amount of computing power.
This means that developers need to carefully consider who their target audience is and whether they are willing to invest in the necessary hardware.
Interacting with digital content through Augmented Reality
As real environment situations are mapped and developed, we can see what some computer-generated objects would look like in our natural environment.
This would allow us to offer a more immersive experience, adapted to our individual preferences.
Thanks to the various Android models and the applications developed by Apple iOS, the iPhone and the iPad, we will be able to make more use of augmented reality in our daily lives.
As cheaper smart glasses become even more compatible with these devices, we will also be able to enjoy a better hands-free experience when using augmented reality.
Augmented reality and virtual reality
Now let's look at the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality.
1. Virtual reality creates an artificial environment, while augmented reality adds digital elements to a physical environment.
Digital information is produced and consumed all the time.
In the virtual world, this data is used to create a fully simulated world.
The artificiality of the virtual environment distinguishes it from our natural reality.
In augmented reality, on the other hand, computer-generated information is superimposed on our real environment.
2. Virtual reality is typically experienced using a headset, while augmented reality can be experienced using devices such as smartphones or glasses.
One of the main differences between virtual reality and augmented reality is how we experience them.
Virtual reality simulations are typically experienced using a headset, which cuts off our view of the real world and replaces it with that of the virtual world.
This headset is either standalone or connected to a computer or game console, which runs the software that produces the simulated environment.
Augmented reality, on the other hand, can be experienced using devices such as smartphones or smart glasses.
These devices superimpose computer-generated information onto our vision of the real world, allowing us to see both realities simultaneously.
3. Virtual reality is mostly used for entertainment, while augmented reality has more practical applications.
VR is often used for entertainment, whether it's immersive 360-degree videos or climbing game simulations.
Indeed, virtual reality simulations can be very realistic and businesses can use them to provide an immersive experience to customers that is unlike anything else.
Augmented reality, on the other hand, has more practical applications.
For example, it can be used for navigation, training simulations, or shopping.
4. Virtual reality simulations can be more realistic than augmented reality experiences.
With total immersion in virtual reality, some simulations can be incredibly realistic.
For example, virtual tour software can be used to explore famous buildings or sites without ever having to leave home.
VR headsets can track our movements and change the simulation accordingly.
However, this level of virtuality is not possible with augmented reality.
Indeed, augmented reality devices, like smart glasses, do not entirely block our vision of the real world.
As a result, computer-generated information is more realistic.
Main use cases for Augmented Reality.
Despite its relative youth, augmented reality is already being used in several different ways.
Here are some of the most popular use cases for Augmented Reality.
- Education and training : Augmented reality is being used in education to create more immersive and interactive learning experiences. For example, the application Quiver allows users to point their phones at a piece of paper and see 3D models of animals come to life on a variety of interfaces.
- Retail trade : IKEA Place is an example of how Augmented Reality can be used in retail. This application allows users to place real 3D models of IKEA items in their homes.
- Marketing and advertising : Augmented Reality is also used for marketing and advertising purposes. For example, the application Makeup Genius by L'Oréal allows users to see in real time how different makeup products would work for them.
- Architecture and engineering : Augmented Reality is used by architects and engineers to create more immersive design experiences. For example, the application HoloBuilder allows users to see what a building will look like when completed
- The games : Augmented reality games are one of the most popular uses of this technology. An example is Pokemon Go, which allows users to catch virtual creatures in the real world.
- Public safety : Augmented Reality is also used for public safety purposes. For example, some insurance companies have launched Augmented Reality experiences to help improving home fire safety plans.
FAQs
What are the most famous augmented reality glasses?
One of the most well known augmented reality glasses is the Google Glass.
Since it is one of the first augmented reality glasses, various companies have learned a lot from its development.
Many of its features have been integrated into other augmented reality glasses currently on the market.
What are the examples of augmented reality used in entertainment?
Games like Pokemon Go and virtual filters found in apps like Snapchat have used augmented reality to provide an improved user experience.
Are big companies actively developing Augmented Reality?
Yes. Toolkits like ARKit allow Apple developers to create augmented reality experiences for their products.
At the same time, ARCore is Google's answer to Augmented Reality, providing developers with the tools they need to create AR applications for Android devices.
Additionally, Microsoft's Hololens is a mixed reality headset that has recently gained traction in the business world.
Summary.
Augmented reality is a technology that is still in its infancy, but is simultaneously rapidly progressing.
From healthcare to social media to all other activities, it has already begun to impact several sectors, some of which are commonly used in daily life.
As technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more impressive and innovative uses of augmented reality in the future.
What do you think of augmented reality?
Do you think it has practical applications in everyday life?
More information: Artificial intelligence plays a huge role in the development and exploitation of augmented reality experiences.
In addition, AI is used in a variety of business areas, including marketing, the software development, the content writing And the sales.
This technological advance is changing not only the way we interact with the world around us, but also the way businesses operate on a daily basis.
