Seeing Is Believing Through Augmented Reality

With so much happening in the tech world, it seems as if everyday there is some new innovation out that amazes and one wonders just what the next development will be. Similarly, mobile camera has taken on new frontiers, changing the approach to photography in its entirety. Lately, augmented reality mobile apps have been receiving plenty of accolade and the reasons are more than just excellence in photography, but rather the techniques that have made the images realistic.
Augmented reality (AR) is a more advanced version of virtual reality (VR). The three-dimensional effect combines the virtual world with the physical, as in VR. However, the main difference is, AR is content rich. Once an AR app is downloaded, the camera lens focuses on a specific location and transforms the image. The formation and information that comes to life on the mobile’s screen is, quoting a review, �mind blowing.’
Augmented reality (AR) apps
AR is not a new concept. Early development started some sixty years ago, but did not catch on because of flaws in detection and technology, until recently. Over time, AR has been able to improve in speed and accuracy in capturing the image and converging with software programming.
Smartphone applications steered the capabilities forward through in-built AR apps that surpass quality provided on the web platform. With improved technology, AR has been redefined in Android, iPhone, Windows 7,Nokia Lumia and Blackberry apps that fulfill a variety of purposes. AR apps include interactive encyclopedias, those that identify buildings, vehicles and people, track locations, share color codes and much more.
Arts and entertainment
Award-winning AR browser �Aurasma’ requires taking a picture from the mobile camera, which then registers the image and processes relevant information. That is not all. The location-based app is free on iOS and android. It has been around for a while and recently partnered with Universal Pictures (UK) to celebrate the latter’s 100th anniversary. By pointing the device on the DVD cover, famous movie characters viewed in full action on select locations in London. The collection is limited, but it has opened new avenues in user engagement and product promotion.
AR’s location-based capability has been creatively made use of in game apps. One that clearly demonstrates AR potential in gaming is an iOS app �Zombie Outbreak Simulator.’ The sandbox app provides ten real world environments from Google Maps where zombies scamper around real locations.
Marketing and advertisement through AR
Games have a significant impact on marketing and engagement and as such, companies are incorporating them in their campaigns. In effect, marketing campaigns are making use of AR to encourage interactive experiences with customers. Starbucks released a Valentine’s scheme as an AR app this year on a limited edition of their coffee cups. AR shopping apps provide users with detailed information of not just the content and pricing but of the 3-D image of the product that determines purchasing behavior. While general advertising is of shorter duration, AR can be used for long-term advertisement strategies.