Augmented reality (AR) is an exciting and rapidly evolving technology that allows users to experience digital content in the real world. AR applications use computer vision algorithms to overlay digital objects onto the camera feed from a smartphone or other device, creating an immersive and interactive experience.
Example 1: Pokemon Go
Perhaps the most well-known example of augmented reality is Pokemon Go, a mobile game developed by Niantic. In Pokemon Go, users can capture digital creatures called “pokemon” by placing their smartphones in real-world locations where the creatures are said to be hiding. The game uses AR to superimpose a virtual world onto the camera feed from the user’s device, allowing them to see and interact with the pokemon in their physical surroundings.
Pokemon Go has been a massive success since its launch in 2016, with millions of users around the world downloading the app and spending countless hours exploring their local environments in search of new pokemon. The game has generated significant revenue for Niantic, with estimates suggesting that it has earned more than $1 billion in revenue to date.
Example 2: Ikea Place
Another example of augmented reality is Ikea Place, an app developed by the furniture retailer IKEA. With Ikea Place, users can see how different pieces of furniture would look in their home before they buy them. The app uses AR to superimpose 3D models of the furniture onto the camera feed from the user’s device, allowing them to see how the pieces would fit into their space and how they would interact with their existing decor.
Ikea Place has been a success for IKEA, with the app helping to increase sales of the company’s products and providing a more convenient and immersive shopping experience for customers. The app has also helped to reduce the number of returns of furniture that doesn’t fit or isn’t right for the customer’s space.
Example 3: Snapchat Filters
Snapchat filters are another example of augmented reality in action. With Snapchat, users can add digital effects to their photos and videos by using the app’s camera to overlay digital objects onto their real-world surroundings. The app uses computer vision algorithms to track the user’s movements and adjust the position and orientation of the digital objects in real time, creating a seamless and immersive experience.
Snapchat filters have been a huge hit with users, with millions of people using them every day to add fun and creative effects to their photos and videos. The app has also generated significant revenue for Snapchat, with estimates suggesting that it has earned more than $3 billion in revenue to date.
Example 4: Volkswagen’s Virtual Showroom
Volkswagen has developed an augmented reality showroom that allows customers to see how different cars would look in their driveway before they buy them. The showroom uses AR to superimpose 3D models of the cars onto the user’s device, allowing them to see the car from every angle and get a sense of its size and proportions in their space.
The virtual showroom has been successful for Volkswagen, with the app helping to increase sales of the company’s products and providing a more convenient and immersive shopping experience for customers. The app has also helped to reduce the number of returns of cars that don’t fit or aren’t right for the customer’s space.
Summary
In conclusion, these examples illustrate the potential of augmented reality as a powerful tool for enhancing user experiences and driving business outcomes.