With the increase in innovative technologies, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is gaining popularity. Among them are applications catalyzed by Covid-19’s social distancing restrictions during the pandemic.
Often questions arise over how AR will impact the future and what does AR change. To answer these questions, we must address virtual reality capabilities and the future of augmented reality in our everyday life.
Below we will also address digital advances and the future of augmented reality in education, healthcare, travel, gaming, and other industries.
How AR and VR Are Revolutionizing Our Lives
Initially, VR and AR were referred to as niche gaming and entertaining products but have since expanded into marketing, education, real estate, and healthcare industries. A concern with adopting these new technologies is wearable (glasses) safety and privacy, which we will explore.
AR/VR History
Questions people often ask are why is AR so important? What are VR capabilities, and how will AR impact society? Another is what problems AR will solve and if VR and AR are here to stay or only gained popularity during the pandemic.
Social distancing spurred AR/VR digital tools as they do not rely on physical interaction but are ideal for users who want to enhance their remote experiences. Recommended for different sectors (education, health care, retail, real estate, travel), safety and privacy are concerns.
Google Glass, for example, are wearable AR glasses that might lead to non-consensual facial recognition and the theft of video and photo data through malware.
Another concern is drivers might become distracted by the wearables. Hence, Google Glass stalled in the design phase, but the technology works in other industries.
The success of AR and VRs will vary based on demand, design, and policymakers. Current regulations and laws could be faster in adopting the technologies, but ideally, more innovators will get on board to expand the core functions and capabilities of AR and VR.
The AR and VR Revolution
In the past few years, AR and VR have become available for general usage as an extension connecting the digital and digital, and physical realms. Differing approach, AR enhances images on cameras and phones to create real-world images. An example is Try with AR, which lets users preview products in their homes with smartphone camera images, a technology currently available with retailers like IKEA.
Changing how we live, VR is more immersive as it blocks extra images and gives the user immersive digital experiences, especially when factoring in the popularity of Pokemon GO. Working with cameras and gyroscopes, they can let the user feel like they are in a live experience, and an example is the Super Bowl championship game.
Another example is if you are looking up a live dealer poker game where a gambler can play in a virtual environment alongside other players at a live casino. Capable of interacting and engaging with other players, casino hosts, and dealers, the experience is as immersive as a live Vegas-style casino.
An additional example is if you want to find the best fish table game casinos to play and win cash. With interactive gaming action, players can enjoy hours of entertaining fun from the comforts of home.
As AR video games and devices like PlayStation VR and Oculus Quest 2 have full adoption, other apps and usages are becoming more mainstream. Retailers can let shoppers review products like furniture for home renovations. Separately, Shopify introduced an AR preview of new store layouts leading to 94% higher conversion rates.
The Future of AR and VR
With more promise in fields like education and medicine, AR and VR are here to stay. Medical professionals and teachers rely on immersive experiences to help teach students. VR simulations can guide surgeons before surgery to reduce medical complications.
Remote medicine services can let medical personnel treat patients remotely. Travel agents can share tours from other countries on virtual trips, and retention is increasing with students for more vivid experiences.
AR technologies will help users visualize data in new ways. Because it uses three-dimensional spaces, users can better understand different concepts that might let them see a new HVAC unit in their basement or a new car design based on their customized preferences.
With the integration of AI, more businesses can teach employees job skills and new technologies, and HR reps can simplify onboarding steps.
AR and VR Growth
Despite the early adoption failure of Google Glass and AR/VR advances occurring with the pandemic, industries are migrating to AR and VR advancements. Google, Facebook, and other businesses are anticipating demand in the wearable market which will include everything from gaming to in-screen GPS and interactive content with others.
Expect more AR and VR experiences that let users engage in immersive content. While safety and privacy challenges still exist, soft-law tools can help clear manufacturing guidelines to overcome regulatory hurdles. Hence, we might see more AR and VR innovations with phones and cameras.
