A Guide to Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality turns the environment around you into a digital interface by placing virtual objects in the real world, in real-time. Augmented Reality can be seen through a wide variety of experiences. We distinguish 3 main categories of Augmented Reality tools.
Augmented Reality 3D viewers, like Augment, allow users to place life-size 3D models in your environment with or without the use of trackers. Trackers are simple images that 3D models can be attached to in Augmented Reality.
Augmented Reality browsers enrich your camera display with contextual information. For example, you can point your smartphone at a building to display its history or estimated value.
The last way that Augmented Reality is generally experienced is through gaming, creating immersive gaming experiences that utilize your actual surroundings. Imagine shooting games with zombies walking in your own bedroom! The biggest use of Augmented Reality gaming to-date is Pokémon Go, allowing users to catch virtual Pokémon who are hidden throughout a map of the real world.
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Augmented Reality Devices
Augmented Reality can be used on all screens and connected devices :
Through mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, Augmented Reality acts like a magic window; through the viewer you can see holograms and manipulate 3D models. Hundreds of Augmented Reality apps are available on iPhone, iPad, and Android.
On PC and connected TV players, Augmented Reality works through a webcam and relayed through the screen. This can be quite cumbersome when you have to manipulate a tracker in front of your screen.
On head mounted displays, glasses, and lenses, Augmented Reality becomes a part of your entire field of view, making for more life-like Augmented Reality experiences. It almost feels like Ironman with the help of Jarvis.
Augmented Reality Best Practices
Choose an Augmented Reality solution according to your business needs:
Augmented Reality fits into a variety of business needs. If you need to improve the efficiency of your sales team, choose a turnkey solution like Augment.
Need to integrate an Augmented Reality feature in your own app or create a brand new game? Integrate with an Augmented Reality SDK.
Need to create an interactive print campaign with Augmented Reality features? Add a clear call-to-action on your print, and use an existing Augmented Reality viewer before investing time and money in your own app.
There is a wide selection of Augmented Reality tools readily available to help you create the next gaming experience, improve sales, digital retail, navigation, and even design, just to name a few verticals. Augmented Reality is currently used to help visualize objects that aren’t in the room and to create immersive brand experiences that engage consumers on another level.
