The Future of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Undoubtedly, augmented reality and virtual reality are two of the biggest digital transformation trends. Ever since the introduction of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the lines between the real world and the virtual world have become blurred.
While the grasp of virtual reality in gaming applications and mapping software has been unparalleled, augmented reality has become a powerful business tool for many businesses, providing an interactive experience of the real-world environment.
Even though these technologies have high development costs, complexities of devices and other challenges in the present, the future appears undoubtedly bright.
Where are we now?
Today, smartphones have become a need rather than a luxury. Today, smartphones have transformed how we communicate, travel, work, shop, dine or even learn. With even the youngest of the generation understanding the intricate uses of smartphones, we are moving towards mass adoption of augmented reality.
With leading social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc., using AR to deliver entertaining experiences to customers, there is no denying that the augmented reality has increasingly penetrated our lives. Moreover, several retailers also have used augmented reality techniques to help consumers with online shopping. Industries like logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, music, etc., are already using augmented reality.
Alternatively, virtual reality is more mature than augmented reality. Software tools and hardware platforms required for an immersive VR experience are already present in our lives. Therefore, virtual reality has quickly penetrated our lives. Further, smartphones and headsets combined have been the most preferred method of delivering a VR experience.
Despite the growing traction, there is still a long way to go before augmented reality, and virtual reality become sustainable solutions.
What is the future of AR and VR?
Experts indicate that augmented reality and virtual reality will become sustainable solutions in the times to come. These technologies will either come as standalone units or as tethered systems. Tethered systems will consist of a head wearable with wire attached to its processing unit. However, standalone units will be wearable but will encompass everything from display to processing.
Today, no augmented reality and virtual reality devices deliver an immersive or boundless experience. These devices lack 3D sensing capabilities, appropriate brightness, display resolution, etc. However, in the coming three years or so, the force of the digital transformation will be undeniable, and the AR and VR devices will be able to offer true unconstrained experiences.
In the coming years, augmented and virtual reality will have the potential to replace smartphones. AR glasses with LTE capabilities will become the new technology of the world. In the times ahead, you might be using your AR smart glasses to scroll through social media and even reply to text messages. With augmented reality and virtual reality all set to become the sustainable solutions of tomorrow, you can expect more personalised, accessible and well-designed user experiences.
Conclusion
The strong potential of the augmented reality and virtual reality that you witness today is enough evidence to assure that a massive platform shift and even larger digital transformation is on its way.
