Augmented Reality Explained
Augmented Reality (AR) is a broad term that has evolved to describe a new class of applications. Augmented Reality is a subset of Virtual Reality. What are now known as Augmented Reality overlays on top of digital maps? The goal of using Augmented Reality is to add a layer of reality over an existing digital platform. Many businesses are leveraging this technology to enhance customer interactions.
In workplace
A great example of utilizing Augmented Reality in the workplace is with apps that make it possible for a business representative to interact with a potential client even when they are not at their desk. Augmented Reality can take many forms and can even be used for other purposes, beyond business. The smartphone has become a convenient tool for almost everything. In fact, millions of people carry smart phones, which are capable of running virtually any app that an iPhone or Android can run. Because of this, smartphone apps that make use of Augmented Reality are gaining popularity.
An example of one of these smartphone apps is RIM BlackBerry. This application allows a BlackBerry to interface with a tablet PC or laptop. The tablet PC is utilized to browse the web, view photos and perform other functions such as searching the map, interacting with a contact’s calendar or reading documents. If a person wishes to go somewhere, they simply touch their device’s screen and find their way through the map. The user also has the option to turn on and off their GPS location with the push of a button. If the user desires to be notified of any traffic or parking issues on their real time basis, they may simply touch the icon and receive an automated text message or email.
Smartphones
The Apple iPhone is another popular device with the ability to use augmented reality features. One of the hottest is the mapping application, which allows the user to look like they are driving their own vehicle, flying helicopters or walking down the street like a local. The user can adjust the size of their phone, tilt the phone or pan the phone in order to alter the display and look like they are really traveling. The Google Android operating system also has some interesting augmented reality applications as well. Some of these include displaying maps using eye-tracking technology, telling the user that there is a restaurant somewhere within a certain radius or helping the user find their car.
However, smartphones are not the only devices that can make use of Augmented Reality. It has been popularized by the use of Nintendo Wii Fit. With this device, players have the ability to bend their bodies in a variety of unique ways to do various activities within the game. For instance, a player can stretch their arms in order to swing a golf club. When they bend their legs, they can ride a bike while crunching over an exercise ball. This is just one of the many interesting uses for the device.
Applications
As the demand for augmented reality increases, so does the number of different apps that will be available for the general public to use. In fact, there are already several applications that are available on the market today. One of the most popular uses for smartphones and smart phones is the ability to use camera phones to capture photos and turn them into virtual images in the real world. Some of the applications available include: virtual cooking and shopping, virtual tours of real estate, taking self-shots with a digital camera, playing games in the real world, reading books and newspapers and recording video with a digital camcorder or cell phone. These apps are only the beginning.
In addition to applications that let users take virtual tours, videos and photographs, smartphone manufacturers are developing augmented reality applications that will allow businesses to provide their clients with additional information about their products. For instance, the German company Adidas has developed a number of ar applications that are available on their online store. Users can search for different types of shoes based upon the type of action to an individual participant is undertaking. A fitness center in New York City offers its clients additional information about their facilities based upon what the user is looking at. This technology could become very valuable to consumers who are trying to plan a vacation and want to make sure that they are visiting a location that provides a good balance of fitness activities and tourist attractions.
Companies are scrambling to find developers who are capable of designing smartphone apps that incorporate augmented reality. Augmented Reality allows users to interact with the environment in a whole new way. Augmented Reality allows users to see the world as though they were present in it, which is an experience that is similar to using a pair of binoculars but one that take advantage of the power of the smartphone. The combination of the convenience of the smartphone and the added functionality provided by augmented reality makes this type of technology quite unique.
