The birth of augmented reality changed people’s perspectives in living. Some loathed and traditionally went against the technology, thinking it might make them lazier along time. Others, on the other hand, smiled out of optimism and thought that things would be much better when wearing the like of Google smart glasses.
But there are millions of things to do with the help of AR, and it is not only limited to certain concepts that have been showcased by its founders.
Come to think of it: What if every kind of establishment – groceries, repair shops, restaurants, banks, or even malls would be extended into a lens and lightly strapped around your head? What if these establishments were provided features that would better your purchasing experiences? Or if not, your business?
Augmented Reality had been in the market years ago, and a lot of updates had been made throughout its existence in the world of technology. Businesses had also been a huge part of many exchanges with AR, thus widening the possibilities of more modernization for what has already known to be revolutionary.
Here are a few things on how Augmented Reality helps in the business world:
Communication
Fundamentally, the AR was invented in the concept of hand-held gadgets, making it mobile and comfortable to use in almost every place. This is where the user takes advantage of AR through contacting and conversing with the people and its own “augmented” environment around him or her.
This means that the environment is rather constant than being warped into a smaller screen, hence its counterpart VR or Virtual Reality. The user may experience more belongingness because it is still present in the same, actual moment and place. This makes communication even more enjoyable and unlimited.
One example would be Google Translate, which is one of the most operated free applications Google had provided. With more than 88 languages, this tool can melt those freezing language barriers and enable people of different nations and cultures to interact with less hassle.
Entertainment
Pokémon Go, a viral mobile game that had reached millions of downloads worldwide since the last few years, further moved the entertainment and gaming industry due to its unique and novel application of AR into its project. Not only had it attracted the younger generation to play, but had also allowed them to communicate in their regions.
Another interesting entertainment AR module is an application for the annual music festival Coachella, where users can interact and take photos inside the area with exclusive art pieces shown through cellphone cameras.
Logistics
Who would have thought that delivery problems can be remedied by an AR application? Whenever we use Google Maps or Waze and ask for directions, it works on a navigating system that reflects real-time situations on the road – traffic, obstacles, and even the fact that it suggests you shortcuts and reroutes you in a longer one!
In this case, the use of GPS had been very significant in the supply chain and logistics methods. This did not only include proper and thrifty deliveries, but it had also contributed in anti-theft, as drivers would stray onto unusual pathways throughout the delivery time.
Service simulation
These are what most girls love the most – having their hair styled and nails are done just the way they like it. An application made this possible by just mirroring the user’s face in front of a camera and a simulation of hair, makeup and skin filters appear for them to choose and adjust. Familiar? Well, this app does not include dog ears and tongue licks.
To remove the hints from the aforementioned, leading social media platforms like Facebook, along with Instagram and Snapchat had also been using this type of facial augmentation with the help of AR. Again, this leads to enhancing our communication skills with the help of entertainment.
Furniture companies like IKEA and Houzz also updated their home customization services by putting up AR screens layered by movable ornaments and household equipment in 2D or 3D templates. In this way, consumers can now expect the furniture-to-home ratio and not worry about returning and refunding items.
Takeaway
Having the edge of the latest technology can mean many things for many companies and individuals. It may serve as an advantage for many users, especially that we have been facing our cellphone screens for too long nowadays.
These AR applications are gateways to enter a seemingly new atmosphere and can increase the chance of sharing experiences with the other users beyond chatboxes and sending emojis – especially for businesses.
This breakthrough in the world of business is much needed as communication tends to level down in idleness. And by that, some people in the modern workforce may experience introversions inside their workplace and might think that AR can worsen their conditions.
Apart from its expansive areas of utility, AR can become way too expensive to invest in. However, proposing businesses with the help of AR can generate more revenue for companies if used strategically.
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