Augmented reality, also known as AR, mixed reality, or computer-mediated reality, is a technology bringing the real world and virtual reality together. In AR, an interactive, real-world environment is overlaid with, or augmented by, computer-generated information and virtual objects affecting sensory modalities in real-time.
Augmented reality is one of the most exciting and growing fields in technology today, and new innovations are making waves all the time. Here are four of the latest developments in augmented reality which show where this technology stands today and where it might go over the next couple of years.
Apple’s ARKit
At the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2018, ARKit was unveiled. ARKit is a software development kit for developers to make augmented reality apps for Apple’s iOS-based iPhone and iPad devices. Most consumers won’t see or use ARKit itself, but users will be able to see and interact with apps based on it in iOS 11. The millions of iOS devices that run on Apple’s A9, A10, or A11 bionic processors, which include all iPhones up from the 6s, all iPad Pros, and the 2017 9.7-inch iPad, will be able to use ARKit apps. ARKit combines advanced scene processing, camera scene capture, display conveniences, and device motion tracking to make it easier for developers to create augmented reality experiences.
Google’s ARCore.
ARCore is the equivalent of Apple’s ARKit but for Android developers. ARCore will use the tools of Android devices such as the camera, processors, and motion sensors to allow Android developers to easily and quickly build augmented reality apps, experiences, and games. ARCore uses the three main elements of environmental understanding, motion tracking, and light estimation to reach this goal. ARCore is not the same as Google’s other augmented reality venture, Tango, but even though Google will continue building better cameras based on Tango technology, these will be added into phones as a facet of ARCore and Tango will ultimately fade into the background.
Augmented reality in commerce and retail.
Up until now, augmented reality has primarily been used to entertain. But augmented reality also has the potential to transform the shopping experience as retailers make use of augmented reality experiences to give their customers more power and set themselves apart from competitors in the field. Businesses in the retail sector should be prepared to make changes to accommodate a future in commerce influenced by the augmented reality that will affect how they present and sell products.
Better chipsets for augmented reality.
While this development might not seem like a big deal to most customers, it is extremely important to developers. As consumer interest in augmented reality devices grows, more powerful compatible chip technology grows alongside it. Developers will be able to take advantage of these improvements in technology to create better-performing augmented reality and show more advanced technology that can meet ever-increasing needs. The formerly inconsistent technology of augmented reality is growing instability with the development of new AR chipsets.
As better technology continues to be developed, as costs are lowered, and as developers become smarter, augmented reality will continue to grow and be more in demand than ever before.
