8 Augmented Reality Trends : The Future is Here

Introduction

Augmented reality technology has seen unprecedented growth in 2020. Commercial use of the technology has exploded due to use by market leaders like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market for AR technology is worth $15.3 billion. It’s worth exploring the different avenues and trends that drive the surging augmented reality market. By the end of 2020, AR active devices were estimated to rise to 598 million units and are projected to grow to 1.73 billion by 2024.

Trend #1: Mobile AR: Apple ARKit 4, Google ARCore

Apple has recently released ARKit 4, the latest version of its open-source Augmented Reality Development tools. Google’s competing ARCore technology is also making great strides to keep up in the industry. Since their introduction in 2017, these tools have helped AR App Developers ease into the AR market. Because of greater app support, AR-capable devices and their users have dramatically increased.

Since 2017, Apple has revealed additional updates to ARKit, such as ARKit 2.0 at WWDC 2018, ARKit 3.0 at WWDC 2019, and finally ARKit 4.0 at WWDC 2020. Some of the newest advances related to ARKit 4.0 include location anchors, new depth API, and improved face tracking. This allows Apple’s ARKit developers to tap into the power of the latest iPhones’ LiDAR hardware.

Trend #2: AR In Shopping & Retail

Giving consumers a virtual option to shop has been an important trend for retail industry players, such as American Apparel, Uniqlo, Lacoste, Kohls, Sephora. Others have made virtual fitting rooms a reality for their customers. This allows customers to gain a try-before-you-buy experience from home. This is especially important due to the way social distancing policies affect retail during the COVID-19 pandemic. AR is in a great position to resolve this problem.

This doesn’t just apply to apparel. IKEA’s app allows customers to see what furniture and other products might look like in their own homes using AR technology. The possibilities don’t stop at home on consumers’ cell phones. While in-store, smart mirrors and RFID tags open up new avenues for product suggestions to customers.

Trend #3: Utilizing AR For Navigation

With more bandwidth and control over an interior environment, the advantages offered by AR for indoor navigation are clear. There is a wide range of tools that can be used to enhance this experience at different scales, such as Bluetooth beacons, ceiling antennas, and QR codes. However, in cases where a robust Wi-Fi network already exists, Apple’s iPhone AR is good enough to handle indoor positioning by using Wi-Fi RF patterns.

Trend #4: Augmented Reality Relies On Artificial Intelligence

The role of artificial intelligence in augmented reality cannot be understated. The high demands placed upon augmented reality software simply cannot rely solely on human programming to display virtual objects against a real-world backdrop. Neural networks and machine learning can accomplish these tasks with far higher efficiency and can improve augmented reality experiences drastically.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence cannot function without a strong team of data science engineers. Analysis and collection of training data are vital for the success of a machine learning program designed to support AR software. The engineers also need to carefully fine-tune and optimize the model before integration and deployment.

Trend #5: Remote Assistance & Virtual Manuals

Although only 7% of the workforce in the United States has access to telework options, 37% of U.S jobs have the potential of being possible via telework. However, according to the Brookings Institution, about half of employed US adults work from home. Despite these discrepancies, it is clear that telework has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Brookings Institution also predicts that current trends of telework will continue long after the pandemic has passed.

Trend #6: Augmented Reality in the Automotive Industry

Augmented reality has had a large impact on the automotive industry. One of the more clear applications of this technology is through the use of heads-up displays (HUDs) which consumers will be familiar with in their favorite video games and movies. However, AR HUDs will serve a practical purpose for drivers that will allow them to process information that supports their view of the road, rather than obstruct it.

Trend #7: Portable Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is relatively convenient on a smartphone, but in its current form, it isn’t nearly as convenient for shoppers and everyday tech consumers. Holding up a cell phone can be relatively distracting and also takes the immersion out of an AR experience. AR experiences through a headset are vastly superior to viewing simulated objects through a smartphone’s camera.

Trend #8: Augmented Reality Events

Augmented reality can greatly enhance in-person and virtual events such as career fairs and sports events. This can be done via dedicated apps or through Web AR solutions. AR events can provide unique experiences to attendees, as well as provide them with a way of interacting despite restrictions like quarantine.

Conclusion

Gaming has the highest share of the industry’s revenue and will remain a relevant driver of augmented reality. Practical uses of AR such as those used by the healthcare and engineering industries will also gain traction. Real estate and corporate campus navigation will benefit from AR solutions and interactive walkthroughs. These can use mixed or augmented reality environments. Mobile AR App Development Company remains a vital tool.

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