AR/VR Apps: Astonishingly Marvellous Technological Feat

Time and technology are changing at a blinding speed and AR/VR apps are a testimony to that fact! What was inconceivable a few decades ago, is not just happening… but is happening with ease and efficiency. Internet of things, internet of behaviours, chatbots; augmented, virtual and mixed reality… all these are for real now! Gifts to the human race presented by other highly talented humans.

For this article, we would only focus on AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) and the corresponding applications. This piece would take you through the definitions, kinds of apps in this domain, related advantages, etc. So, dear reader… embrace yourself for a technical ride that will involve information bombardment as well. Don’t worry, I have ensured you enjoy this ride and not doze off! Let’s get to business, then!

What are these ‘REALITIES’?

First things first… we can’t talk or discuss anything without understanding what it really is, right? Let’s first deal with the definitions of the two technologies in hand. It will help us develop a better understanding in this regard. Did you notice, I am also learning with you… by explaining the concepts to you!

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment. It superimposes an image on a user’s view of the real world and further enhances it with sound, touch, smell, etc. It is a combination of a real scene viewed by a user and a virtual scene generated by the computer.

It isn’t limited to gaming and headsets anymore! It finds use in different industries, like assembly, maintenance, repair, education, diagnostics, training, etc. AR, dear readers… is (quite successfully) blurring the lines of actuality.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be totally different or similar to a real-life experience. It is typically achieved by wearing a headset like Facebook’s Oculus. There are two types of VR – immersive and text-based networked (also known as cyberspace).

Some examples of AR/VR applications

There are different kinds of AR/VR apps in the market catering to different industries. For example – gaming, entertainment, tourism and travel, e-commerce, retail, urban planning, landscaping, interior designing, real estate, education, healthcare, communication, etc.

Now that we have understood the definitions and the types of apps too, let us get to know a few of the most popular augmented and virtual reality applications in the market:

Google Arts & Culture VR

People can now experience the world of art and cultures, around the globe… without travelling! Yes, you read it right! You don’t need to burn a hole in your pocket on expensive travel destinations.

Google Arts and Culture app offer virtual tours of museums and galleries. Users can take guided audio tours and use the zoom option to see the details clearly. How wonderful!

Google Translate

The camera mode of Google Translate uses AR. And with the help of this feature, users can translate signs, menus, names, etc. in a foreign language, to their native language, instantly! Users save time, as typing isn’t required!

IKEA Place

Now users can try IKEA products and see whether they fit and suit in their home space, without paying a visit to the store! This application also uses augmented reality and lets users place and move items, virtually. This helps them decide better, faster and with less confusion. Plus, it lets them save fuel!! (don’t forget the non-travelling part!)

YouTube VR

This application lets users have a video experience in 3D. It has become a leading app in VR. Moreover, it also allows users to watch videos that are not 360 degrees or 3D. Voice search is also a feature available to users.

Sketch AR

It uses the above-mentioned technology to help users learn how to draw. The progressions of every sketch drawn, are shown on the app via augmented reality.

Ink Hunter

Ink Hunter allows people to try tattoo designs before they actually get themselves inked. Customers have an option to choose from the existing designs or provide their own if they wish.

Measure Kit

With this app in smartphones, users can easily and accurately measure height, distance and angles, and calculate trajectories of a room. The most wonderful part is, the Measure Kit gives accurate results!

Advantages of choosing this technology

The list of applications is not exhaustive. They are some of the best and most trending apps, loved by users. Clearly, AR/VR applications are a favourite and with the above-mentioned examples, you can understand why.

But if you still are not entirely clear on the benefits of these technologies, don’t worry. This section deals with that very doubt of yours. Read on to know better…

AR VR have the following advantages:

- They increase user knowledge and information

- Users get an opportunity to share their experiences with people in real-time, over long distances

- Educating students with their aid has become easier and more comfortable

- Users get to experience reality virtually and have a virtual experience that is very close to reality.

Some final words…

It is highly important to be in sync with changing times. What is even more important is updating one’s methods and staying ahead in the game with changing technology. Technological advancements are taking place at a very fast pace. A technology that is merely 6 months old, might turn obsolete tomorrow if something better comes along. Hence, it becomes mandatory for any business to stay updated and use the latest of technologies.

Augmented and virtual reality have given users experience of a different level. We all are expected to witness their use in the future in different fields like – medicine, navigation, education, training, retail, urban design, etc. Therefore, if you have an idea related to AR technology or developing AR/VR apps, I would strongly suggest that you do not wait up! Connect with the best web solutions and app development company and bring your idea to life!! Explore the domain which is still growing, where opportunities still haven’t gotten exhausted. It has a lot to offer and you… you dear reader, have a lot to gain!