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You're looking for a shirt and trying on a few to see which one looks best on you. Or going on a tour of a Porto apartment you'd like to rent this summer. What if you're looking for a new coffee table and want to see how it looks in your living room instead of scrolling through photographs in magazines? 

These are all eventualities that we could meet at some point. Imagine being able to do it from the comfort of your own home without having to travel to any of those locations. What's the catch? Virtual Reality and augmented reality applications.  

Let’s take a closer look at the prospects of Augmented Reality, its benefits, and potential applications. 

Augmented Reality 

Augmented Reality (or AR) is a word that has been in the public domain for decades. Despite all the hype, it is only now that Augmented Reality has become an ordinary reality with the rise of solid smartphone technology.  

Augmented Reality (AR) describes an enhanced real-life vision through computer-generated content. This 'virtual material' generated by a computer can be nearly anything – video, 3D models, dynamic web content – and triggered by an image, location, or combination. 

“According to IDC, the AR/VR market will expand from $16.8 billion in 2019 to $160 billion by 2023.” 

Augmented Reality in Businesses 

Consider computers, phones, washing machines, and other examples of how technology has transformed the way we work and live. They make our lives easier and more efficient, and Augmented Reality is the next stage in that process. 

Following a comprehensive examination of the market, here are five ways organizations are utilizing AR today: 

Industrial Applications 

The introduction of Augmented Reality (AR) into industrial markets will affect how many tasks are performed. Remote personnel will be able to provide live support to technicians in the field, indicating markings, pointing out difficulties, superimposing models over components such as car engines and the like, and more. It takes the grunt and guesswork out of physical labor and simplifies operations. 

Example: NASA employed Microsoft's HoloLens to assist with constructing their new spacecraft, removing the need for manuals and complex instructions by utilizing mixed reality apps. 

Training 

How can a corporation train employees efficiently and consistently across locations, especially if it is a major franchise? What about more complicated uses, such as those in medicine? 

CAE Healthcare incorporates Microsoft's HoloLens into its training programs, allowing doctors to practice complex medical operations in 3D. AR enables firms to provide consistent training for everyone, allowing the person to acquire competence and confidence in their work. 

Example: A corporation may create an AR application to quickly onboard personnel and teach them with no risk to employees or workplace operations. 

Real Estate 

Because the Internet is the most popular place for buyers and renters to search for new homes, Augmented Reality in business has a lot to offer the real estate market. It can help customers experience homes in new ways, filter which ones they like and don't, and save time for both clients and brokers. It is also an excellent tool for construction workers. They bring blueprints and images to life, allowing clients to visualize their new future house. 

Fashion and Beauty 

Augmented Reality is revolutionizing the beauty industry by allowing customers to try out the newest fashion and cosmetics without leaving the comfort of their own homes. 

For example, Macy's assists in simplifying the cosmetics selection process for customers who wish to try out beauty items without having to wait in potentially large queues at the counter. 

They developed a mobile app that allows users to select from thousands of beauty products and hues for personalized makeovers using augmented reality technology. 

This allows shoppers to obtain a sense of what they desire before even entering a place. 

Marketing 

AR breathes new vitality into formerly static marketing mediums. Marketers may incorporate 3D animations, video, and targeted content into AR-based stores, brochures, posters, t-shirts, flyers, and billboards. 

This gives the intended audience a profitable and flawless experience. 

Businesses can use Augmented Reality in a variety of ways. It will be fascinating to observe how AR evolves over the next five years and how companies continue to integrate the technology. 

Top 10 use cases of Augmented Reality 

AR has a variety of practical uses for businesses in various industries. Here are some examples of industry-specific applications: 

Education 

AR assists students in achieving improved learning outcomes through visualization and complete immersion in topic content. Students may see and interact with these concepts in real-time rather than reading about them in books. As a result, education is becoming more accessible, mobile, and enjoyable. 

Medicine 

The University of Maryland is pioneering AR in medicine by using AR applications pioneered by schools such as Stanford, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. 

Surgeons, for example, can see critical patient data and digital images (e.g., details of a patient's aneurysm) projected over the surgeon's field of view when wearing AR headsets like Microsoft's HoloLens. This helps the physician to concentrate on the operative task rather than flipping between different screens for more information. 

Retailing 

By using augmented reality, consumers can know the size and appearance of a product in realistic ways before purchasing online, including how the product will look and perform in the buyer's selected location. 

For example, customers may test out a paint color for their room with the app Dulux Visualizer before purchasing it. They would scan the room with a smartphone camera and virtually paint it with any color. 

Professional Training 

The realistic reproduction and simulation of on-the-job settings enabled by augmented Reality can assist workers in mastering the practical skills essential for their employment. 

This includes allowing professionals such as teachers, soldiers, physicians, and police officers to practice and develop new skills before using them in real-world settings. 

Auto Repair 

Mechanics working on today's increasingly complicated automobiles can use an AR app on their mobile phone or tablet to see overlay imagery and information on their device, allowing problems to be discovered faster and fixes to be broken down into a series of simple stages. 

Design and Modeling 

Augmented Reality (AR) aids experts in envisioning their finished creations during the creative process, from interior design to architecture and construction. Using headsets, architects, engineers, and design professionals can walk straight into their structures and spaces to see how their projects look and even make virtual on-the-spot alterations. 

Using AR headset visualization, urban planners can simulate how to complete city layouts might look. Any design or modeling work that involves spatial relationships is an ideal application for AR technology. 

Business Logistics 

AR offers numerous chances to improve efficiency and reduce costs in many sectors of corporate logistics. Transportation, warehousing, and route optimization are all part of this. 

DHL has already used smart AR glasses in some of its warehouses, where the lenses show workers the shortest route within a warehouse to identify and pick a specific item that needs to be shipped. One of the best ROI use cases in today's company environment is providing people with more efficient ways to do their jobs. 

Entertainment Properties 

It's all about developing a solid relationship with your branded characters and the audience in the entertainment industry. Harry Potter properties are enormously successful because readers of the books and viewers of the movies feel they know the characters and are hungry for more content. 

Entertainment brands now view AR as a tremendous marketing tool to strengthen ties between their characters and their audiences. The creators of the augmented reality phenomenon Pokémon Go are preparing to develop a Harry Potter-themed augmented reality game that fans will be able to interact with daily. 

Tourism Industry 

AR provides a tremendous opportunity for travel brands and agents to provide potential tourists with a more immersive experience before they travel. 

Consider a virtual "Walkabout" Australia using AR glasses before booking a flight to Sydney or a stroll around Paris to discover what museums or cafes you would want to visit. AR promises to make it much easier to sell trips, travel, and vacations in the future. 

Public Safety 

In the event of an emergency, people nowadays will immediately reach for their cellphones to find out what's happening, where to go, and whether their loved ones are safe. Furthermore, first responders come to the site of a fire or earthquake to determine who needs assistance and the best approach to get them to safety. 

AR has the potential to solve both aspects of the public safety dilemma. 

• First responders wearing AR glasses can be alerted to dangerous places and show individuals in need of aid in real-time while being aware of their surroundings. 
• For people in need, geolocation-enabled AR can provide routes to safe zones and regions with firefighters or doctors and the best course to get there. 

Advantages of AR 

AR combines a novel method of information sharing and interaction capabilities that, in the end, assist better fulfilling business requirements. It is a hybrid of the physical and virtual worlds, with aspects from the actual world thrown in for good measure. 

Its outstanding educational and marketing capabilities can speed up many corporate activities. Furthermore, it can facilitate the job of specialists and contribute to cost savings by creating new ways to advertise items or permit learning new skills. 

“The global market for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) is expected to reach 30.7 billion USD in 2021, growing to close to 300 billion USD by 2024.” 

Makes Online Products Tangible 

"Try It Before You Buy" and "See It in Your Setting" Augmented Reality is prevalent among internet consumers. Customers in the beauty and fashion industries can use "Try Before You Buy" AR capabilities to see how a product looks on them, including multiple sizes and colors. 

AR is used by furniture and home decor companies to show customers how different things will look in their homes. It's convenient and entertaining! 

Personalizes Shopping Experience 

In e-commerce, Augmented Reality enhances the purchasing experience by making it more interactive. Customers feel more connected to the product and your business when they influence digital aspects in their physical area. 

They can change the features, colors, and sizes and navigate through the things that most appeal to them. It's as if they have a salesperson on the floor at their disposal. 

Improves Customers' Satisfaction and Reduces Returns 

Brands increase buyer confidence and, as a result, reduce returns by making online products "physical." Customers are more inclined to click "add to basket," increasing sales. 

They are less likely to return things, saving businesses money on shipping, restocking, and repackaging. It's a win-win financial situation for businesses and a win for client happiness. 

Improves Brand Awareness and Image 

Users and potential customers are always interested in technological advancements. A corporation or brand that decides to use augmented reality applications will still have an advantage in gaining visibility in their business. 

Augmented Reality is one of the driving forces behind the Marketing and Advertising sector since it helps attract new clients while retaining old ones. 

Competitive Differentiation 

Augmented reality apps have arisen as a new approach to engage a more technologically savvy audience, separate a company from the competitors, and, most importantly, present and promote a new service. 

Furthermore, it aids in imprinting the brand concept in users' minds. As a result, augmented Reality (AR) has become a critical sales tool. It improves the brand's attractiveness and authority. 

Provides Better Education System 

AR can enable teachers to present virtual illustrations of topics and incorporate game features to provide textbook material assistance, making classroom teaching more spectacular and interactive. 

Students are now able to learn and memorize information more quickly because of this. AR allows teachers to assist students in grasping abstract concepts. 

AR can help improve the following: 

• Students’ engagement and interest 
• Learning environment 
• Content understanding 
• Sensory development 
• Cost-effectiveness 

Why Should Businesses Invest in AR? 

There are numerous reasons why firms might consider investing in augmented reality. 

• Millions of people use Augmented Reality. Instagram's parent company, Facebook, is also incorporating some of the fantastic aspects of augmented reality into its properties. AR is likely to find its way into even more industries because it can significantly improve the user experience. 
• AR is the most effective marketing technology. AR technology allows you to communicate with customers as they are wandering about the store with their smartphones in hand, checking out prices and product features. 
• Businesses can employ AR technology to generate a 3D effect of their brand/product to provide an outstanding AR experience for their customers. 

In the age of technology, your clients expect better and newer experiences every minute. With the power of augmented reality, you can give them what they want while also increasing brand loyalty and awareness. More pleased customers result from a better user experience. As a result, brands that use AR into their business strategies make extensive use of word-of-mouth marketing. 

Don't underestimate the power of visualization and make it easy for your consumers to make use of it. 

Conclusion 

AR's progress and adoption and that of its near siblings, virtual Reality, and artificial intelligence, will continue to refine the meaning of "ability" for all of us by broadening our horizons. 

If you let it, augmented reality can do wonders for your business. It can and will benefit your organization with a well-conceived concept and well-executed application. Consider how you might benefit from such a novel and ground-breaking technology.