The global augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market, which was $37.0 billion in 2019, is expected to witness a growth rate of 42.9% between 2020 to 2030 to reach $1,274.4 billion in 2030. Let us analyze trends that seem to pace up this growth acceleration.
The simple 2-dimensions of images and videos are no longer enough. Users have been in awe of the 3-dimensional technologies and their fascinating worlds since a long time, but their usage for commercial and business utilities has been lately on a rise too.
Imagine the feel of wandering through the Amazon rainforests, even while being seated in the comfort of your homes. Creating innovative real-like visuals through these AR VR technologies, tends to take the overall user experience to a new high. In today’s world, with companies vying for user attention, wherever and however possible, these technologies could be a sure match winner.
Understanding and differentiating between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Though both of these technologies help in rendering 3-d objects to life, there is a major difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.
Virtual Reality enables creation of completely new technology enabled worlds of 3-dimension objects that tends to immerse the viewers completely. They generally require a proper headset with oculus rift s lenses to enable the user’s 3-d visions. Rollercoaster, Galaxy, BeatSaber, etc. are some of the famous games that utilize VR technologies.
Augmented Reality on the other hand superimposes the developed 3-d objects over and above the real environment of the viewer. This is the reason that the AR technology has found ample use in the design industry. AR usage mostly does not require separate hardware, making it a practical option for businesses worldwide. PokemonGo, Ikea app, etc. are some of the famous AR developments.
Development Trends ruling the AR/VR roost
The movies, games and their development technologies have already moved on to the newer 3-dimensional visual effects. But as businesses understand and innovate their functionalities for newer application developments, with AR and VR, these technologies are witnessing newer mobile app development trends by the day:
The arrival of advanced development kits
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are now wholeheartedly supported by the iOS and the android platforms with their own set of utilities and functions. But, apart from the worldwide fame of newer and more advanced Apple Arkit version 3.0 (launched in WWDC, 2019) and Google ARCore, there are now several other development platforms that can help customize VR and AR based interfaces. Vuforia is one such platform that enables both iOS and android developments through unity. Amongst others, Avatar.me is being developed to create immersive shopping experiences for end-users and Wikitude can be used to develop location centric augmented reality experience with ease.
Artificial intelligence empowered solutions
Businesses are looking for newer ways to understand and attract their user base. AI empowered AR/ VR solutions can effectively do both, and thus are the new choice for corporates all over.
For instance, ‘Animoji’ is an Apple developed app that combines the functionalities of AI and AR. It basically provides services for “custom animated messages that use your voice and reflect your facial expressions.” The rendering and animation work in real time due to the usage of iPhone X ace-scanning features.
Effect of 5G
Better the user experience latest technology features, more are the functionalities involved and higher is the requirements of data packet at a very high speed. As AR and VR developments were earlier limited by availability and work processes as per the generalized internet speeds, the advent of 5G technology in this space is sure gonna change the game.
It would definitely help AR and VR developers further innovate their adoption strategies and create products with more 3-d objects involved. Businesses also would be more open to adopt these technologies as users would have data speeds to make them work seamlessly.
Transforming Education
The overall human evolution is based on education and its propagation. AR and VR are basically transforming the way things are learnt and taught. With creation of 3-d enabled objects and their insertion in books, mobile apps and even placards with physical toys and books; they have been increasing the efficiency of education itself. The learners are known to not only learn better, but also get attracted towards learning through these technologies.
Moreover, they can practice the learnt concepts within technology created but real-like simulated backgrounds, without any danger. For instance, a mason can learn how to create a wall (a life skill) through VR enabled courses.
An MBBS student may practice surgery and even psychologically disabled kids may practice reading and writing through them. InCell VR is a game cum- education application, which represents the virtual flying trip through human cells. The playing part covers the competition in the colorful area in combination with the virus wave.
Virtual Events
Covid-19 has taught us that everything events, sports and even meetings are sooner than later going to be digital and most probably in 3-d in the coming times. Recently, Billboard Music Video hosted a performance by ‘Madonna., wherein 5 Madonna appeared, 4 out of which were projected through AR. This is how the technologies are touted to transform the way events are seen the world over.
NO LIMIT TO INNOVATION
AR and VR are the technologies of the future that are here to reorganize the nature of how we look at things. Military, retail, engineering organizations, medicines, etc. industries and user domains that are all utilizing them already or plan to utilize them big time in the coming future. Their deployment costs thus, have also come down and availability of developers is on a rise. AR and VR can now easily become a part of any business, from startups to MSME’s to corporates.