Augmented reality- A flashy technology is giving your smartphones and tablets extended functionality in mobile applications.
It’s almost three decades since AR was first added to the tech world’s glossary. Boeing first used it as an internal tool for designing. At that time, nobody imagined AR to become a popular technology for the masses. And, who would have thought AR would be accessible to everyone and would become part and parcel of our lives?
AR is growing tremendously and is on the verge of an explosion. This technology has led to an increase in the demand for AR app development. More and more companies are incorporating AR and VR in building mobile applications.
Top companies worldwide have created AR devices for multiple companies like healthcare, media, entertainment, e-commerce, and more. AR has changed how businesses operate, especially e-commerce. It has made it easy for customers to find products creatively. So, what is augmented reality, and what is the hype around it?
What is Augmented Reality?
AR combines the real world and digital visual elements, sound, or other sensors through technology. AR is also referred to as VR. However, AR is not a virtual reality. Unlike VR, AR applications need a headset for operations like Oculus Rift. With the help of AR, app developers combine digital information in the real world in mobile applications.
When we talk of AR, our mind goes to Pokemon Go, the popular app mixed with virtual and real-world reality. Did you know the gaming app got 900 million downloads in its initial release and made $1.2 billion in revenue? The augmented reality market is valued at USD 8.9 billion and is growing at an exponential rate. To further explain the popularity of AR, let’s look at the following statistics.
Augmented Reality Statistics in 2021
Mobile AR market size in 2021
8.9 bn USD
Number of mobile AR active users in 2021
810 m
AR glasses unit sales in 2021
410 K
How is AR Impacting the Scope of Mobile App Development?
Location-Based AR App
Have you ever thought about how mobile phones provide your exact location? It’s because of the location-based AR app that uses geolocation data to provide information about your current location. Location-based apps provide customers an immersive tour of a city or even help you find where you have parked your car? Sound’s futuristic, but it’s a reality!
An Amazing in-Store Experience
Who would have thought you could try out products through your mobile phones without stepping inside the store. AR mobiles apps stimulate products in actual size via virtual trial rooms giving customers an in-store trial experience in the comforts of their homes. AR also helps retailers to keep a check and showcase more stock as compared to the physical inventory. Retail companies that use AR for a state-of-the-art customer experience include Converse, Sephora, and L’Oreal.
Make Way for Innovative E-Learning Experience
If you thought AR is only for shopping, think again. State-of-the-art technology has revolutionized the educational sector. AR can make online education or e-learning more creative and effective; with virtual graphics or animations in real-time, teachers are able to interact with their students better. AR has improved the learning experience and led to better student-teacher interaction.
Social Media Apps Also Use AR
AR is one prime reason responsible for the popularity of Snapchat and Musically. People love apps that are easy and fun to interact with. And, this is the reason why app developers use AR for building unique social media apps that offer high user engagement.
Bespoke Online Shopping Experience
Before buying any product, do you watch demo videos or unboxing videos of the same product? With AR apps, brands and companies offer visualization and configuration of their products. AR plays a key role in removing doubts amongst shoppers by providing real-time information about products. AR also gives freedom to brands from abandoned shopping carts.
What’s the Cost of Augmented Reality in Mobile Apps Development?
The cost of AR app development depends on three key factors.
Location: Where you will use the AR app
Information: What information user gets from the app
Method: How you are going to provide a solution to users
Pro Augmented Reality Tools Used by App Developers
AR app developers use numerous tools for building an AR-based application. Some popular tools include:
ARPA SDKs
ARlab SDKs
Droid AR
Metaio SDK
Vuforia SDK
Wikitude SDK
How to Integrate AR in the Mobile App Development Process?
By now, you would have got an idea of how AR has and is changing the mobile app development domain. With all the frenzy and excitement surrounding the technology, it’s time to check out the basics of incorporating AR in your app. Here we have enlisted the general development phases to consider when integrating AR in your next project.
Find out which AR elements you want to incorporate. For example, informational facts at different locations use GPS or the app to show internal anatomy when pointing the camera at a body part.
Determine how you want to integrate AR elements, i.e., choosing the right AR platform to develop the application.
How will users interact with the app? Whether it will be through push notification, how they will launch AR features in the app. Or they need a QR code to work with the AR feature.
Choose the right AR category from four different categories; marker, markerless/location, projection, or superimposition.
Does your app require a connection for AR hardware like smart glasses? Do you want users to have a hands-free experience? Answer these questions to have a clear picture of what you want in your app.
After reading this comprehensive handbook on augmented reality, are you thinking of creating your AR app? Say no more; the mobile app development team at Deftsoft will transform your dream into reality.
