- February 12, 2023
- Posted by: zeinab adel
- Category: All Articles
Augmented Reality Development 2023 Ultimate Guide
Augmented reality development (AR) is one of the growing sectors in this era. The AR current market value is USD 37 billion and is estimated to cross USD 114.5 billion by 2027 with a growth rate of 25.3%.
This accelerating value is a true indication of how AR apps have become an essential part of the daily lives of millions of users around the world. AR technology has made exceptional breakthroughs in retail, healthcare, real estate, gaming, and much more.
If you’re interested in augmented reality development, find everything you need to know about the types, tools, and applications in this blog.
What Is Augmented Reality Development?
Augmented reality development is the process of superimposing computer-generated images or videos into the real world. This bridging technology between reality and the virtual world has three main factors:
- Combining the two worlds in real-time
- Visualizing the world in 3D
- Simultaneously adjusting as any change in the real world happens.
What Is The Difference Between Augmented Reality Apps And Virtual Reality Apps?
Although AR and VR are two different technologies, people usually mix between them. To understand the differences between them, you should first know how both work.
On one hand, virtual reality apps work by building computer-generated environments where we can virtually exist and interact. On the other hand, augmented reality apps work by building a mix between the real world enhanced by virtual, computer-generated elements.
VR Examples: Volvo VR test drive and Adidas Terrex promotion
AR Examples: Amikasa – 3D Floor Planner with Augmented Reality and Ikea Place
| Augmented Reality Development | Virtual Reality Development |
| Overlays computer-generated elements to the real world | Builds an immersive virtual environment |
| Can be used on smartphones, tablets, or wearables | Works only on VR headsets |
| User is able to interact in both the real and virtual world | User is completely engaged in the virtual world, and completely independent of the real world |
| Most used in Architecture, Healthcare, and Retail | Most used in Gaming, Entertainment, and Real Estate |
What Are The Common Types Of AR Apps?
Location-based Augmented Reality Development
Location-based AR and Marker-less AR apps both rely on location but each one has a different function. Location-based AR depends on location mapping detectors such as GPS and accelerators to function in the same way as the most popular AR game, Pokémon GO.
Marker-less AR, however, depends on the location software and device camera for positional tracking, detecting positional information such as the direction, area, and spacing between objects. It allows users to interact with a new environment that places digital content into real spaces. The IKEA Place app is one prominent example of marker-less AR.
Marker-based Augmented Reality Development
It’s a technology we use every day now when scanning QR codes everywhere. Marker-based AR apps rely on image-recognition technology. When the mobile app detects an ID-coded image, it determines the characteristics of the scanned object and overlays it with virtual data or content.
SuperImposition-Based Augmented Reality Development
Superimposition AR is the technology that simply provides an augmented replacement for a certain object in the real world. This technology is widely used in the healthcare sector and mainly depends on object recognition that facilitates object replacement partially or fully precisely.
Projection Augmented reality Development
Projection AR or Sensor-based AR is the technology that projects immersive lights on surfaces to create 3D objects and visuals. It’s called sensor based because it collects data from multiple sensors spread on the projecting surface and is widely used in Hologram and 3D design.
Top 5 AR Tools That Every Developer Should Know
Since augmented reality is one of the growing technologies, currently there are hundreds of software development kits (SDKs) that all provide exceptional features and deliver immersive AR experiences.
The decision of what tool you should use depends on the solution you want to build, device type, industry, and the embedded features you’ll develop. To make it easier, here’s a list of the top 5 augmented reality development platforms you need to compare between before starting.
. Google ARCore
One of the most popular SDKs for developers to build AR apps for Android and iOS smart devices. It also supports cross-platform development as well as Unreal and Unity SDKs.
. Apple ARKit
Augmented reality SDK was developed by Apple to support iOS development with multiple AR features such as motion tracking, visual odometry, lighting estimation, and more.
. Unity 3D
Standing on the top of the gaming AR development SDKs, Unity has a built-in visual studio integration and exceptional visualization and animation tools that support gaming and entertainment innovative creation.
. Vuforia
Vufrotia is considered a complete SDK that can be used to build native apps for Android and iOS. Its advanced modeling features such as simulation mode, real-time identification, scanned targeted- 3D models, and configurations empower you to deliver fully immersive experiences for your users.
It’s important to know that there are lots more technical aspects such as SEO, CMS, and Mobile-adaptability. Defining what you really need in each of these factors maximizes your product performance and will enhance your user’s experience from the shopping cart to checkout.
. Wikitude
Wikitude is recognized for its geolocation capabilities as well as its abilities of cloud recognition, video overlay, object recognition, and flexible integration with external and internal plugins.
As previously mentioned, you do not only choose the SDK depending on the type of development. You have to put into consideration the industry you’re working in because some tools support unique features that are much needed in industry-specific apps.
That’s why you’ll need professional consultation and support during your AR development journey from an experienced partner. A technology partner who can support you not only in choosing the technology but also in deciding the right tools for each industry because developing a game is not as same as developing an AR surgery simulation app.
So find below what are the common applications of AR in business to get a complete view.
What Are The Current Trending Applications Of Augmented Reality In Business?
AR applications have widespread usage in almost all industries nowadays. According to Hackernoon, AR has the most potential usage in gaming, healthcare, engineering, events planning, video entertainment, real estate, retail, military, and education respectively.
Gaming and Entertainment
Since the launching of Pokémon GO a couple of years ago, the AR gaming and entertainment niche has gained millions of fans because the game has demonstrated the potential of AR in this sector. Previously, users have much enjoyed VR games, but now they have felt the amusement of playing in the real world and this has fueled multiple AR gaming and entertainment projects.
Healthcare
How to provide medical education about a functioning body, blood, and nerves without hurting anyone? Yes, it’s with AR. Technology has become a crucial element in healthcare education because, with AR, it is easier to view functioning organs, visualize organ replacements, and even do an AR surgery to predict the results proactively.
Engineering
Would you like to take a walk through your property before buying it? Or how about the million-dollar question: will this building blend with the surrounding environment? Would this sofa fit in my living room?
All these questions in exterior design, rendering, visualization, interior, and urban design are now resolved with AR apps that have the ability to showcase products or buildings in place before the actual construction or purchasing takes place.
Retail
ECommerce is getting a vital boost with AR implementations such as the Sephora app, Ikea Place app, and more. You now have the option to fit products in real time virtually, try on makeup, and check how specific products will look in place. The technology has increased purchase confidence and triggered more customers to finalize their shopping journey.
Education
AR-powered solutions enable students to visualize objects in the real world. Some educational apps have helped children imagine how a certain animal looks in real size in their room and such an experience is unforgettable to their age group.
Another simpler AR educational application is placing QR markers in books to help students visualize entertaining media content.
Finally, we think that the most flourishing time of AR implementation has not come yet. The upcoming years will hold more and more implementations in all industries, and on all devices, and augmented reality development will be the new normal.
Get prepared from now and plan ahead how you will implement AR in your business, and what you need to do to start and partner with an experienced AR developer such as asgatech.
