Augmented reality app technology is a top innovation that has opened up new opportunities for businesses all over the globe. Analysts forecast that AR will be worth $198 billion by 2025. The number of AR users on mobile devices is expected to rise to 3.5 billion this year.
AR experiences are a competitive advantage in many industries because there is a huge market. Technology is improving, which will allow for better efficiency at work. Let's look at the augmented reality trends that will drive innovation in 2022.
Trend #1: Mobile Augmented Reality is Evolving
Mobile augmented reality offers many obvious advantages, making it the focus of much of the technology's attention. Most users already have an AR-capable smartphone so they don't need to spend a lot of money on a bulky and expensive headset. Because mobile devices are portable, they can be carried to almost any place.
APPLE ARKIT 5.
The latest version, ARKit 5, of Apple's open-source mobile AR development toolset, ARKit 4, has significant improvements over ARKit 4. The most significant enhancements include improved support for location anchors and motion tracking. Additionally, the iPad Pro 5th generation has a wider camera that can track faces. AR experiences can also be activated using App Clip Codes. This is done by a quick scan.
Since their introduction in ARKit 4, location anchors have undergone significant improvements. AR-based navigation is enhanced by location anchors. App developers can place virtual objects at specific latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes on the screen in relation to real-world objects. Location anchors can display icons or text three-dimensionally in space adjacent to iconic buildings. This feature is now available in ARKit 5, which supports London and other US cities.
Expanded facial tracking is now available on all devices that have the A12 Bionic chip or later. This includes devices without TrueDepth Cameras like iPhone SE. You can reach even greater users. Face tracking is also supported by the Ultra-Wide camera on the iPad Pro (5th Generation).
This feature allows you to track up to three faces simultaneously.
App Clip Codes can be used to create lightweight portions of apps by scanning QR code-like images. This feature can be integrated with ARKit to allow for augmented reality app experiences that can be launched from any location without the need to download additional software.
ARCORE
ARCore is the Android equivalent to ARKit. It provides open-source native tools that allow augmented reality developers to create augmented reality apps on Android devices. This is because of the large variety of hardware available on Android devices. It's generally viewed as a more difficult challenge than ARKit. Some features may not work on all Android devices.
Google added a few new features to ARCore this year such as playback and recording APIs. Developers can now record video footage using AR metadata. Developers can create a replica of the environment in the video using depth and IMU motion sensor data. This can be used for testing. Developers can now test specific environments more easily with their software.
Developers can use the recording and playback API, but it's also useful for users. Because video can include environmental metadata, this technology allows users to record and apply AR effects later.
ARKIT VS ARCORE
The battle between ARKit, and ARCore is not as simple as you might think. ARKit seems to be the most compatible between software and hardware since Apple is responsible for all aspects. But not everyone on the market has an iPhone or iPad. Because of user accessibility, ARCore should be equally important. Support is not always available for all Android devices due to hardware variations. However, it is important to include as many users as possible in order for the company's continued competitiveness.
The technology behind both frameworks is nearly identical in terms of performance. The two technologies are almost identical in terms of performance for scene detection applications but differ most significantly in hardware.
Trend #2: Powering Indoor and Outdoor Navigation
AR navigation is more accessible and fluid than ever. AR navigation will be possible in 2022. The rise in technology like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi RTT, and ultra-wideband makes indoor navigation more feasible than ever before. This technology can be used to display AR directions indoors in large locations such as distribution centers, shopping malls, and airports.
This technology can be used by both consumers and businesses, something that should not be overlooked. A guest may use AR indoor navigation in a store to locate the product they are looking for. A worker in a distribution center may also use AR indoor navigation in order to locate a specific item in their warehouse. While AR glasses that are affordable and comfortable are not yet available, they have the potential to be used in business, such as stores and distribution centers.
Indoor navigation makes it possible to buy online pick-up in-store (BOPIS) services more efficiently. The AR directions can be used by team members who are responsible for picking the items in the store to fulfill orders. Instead of following coordinate directions, they will direct you to the item. This saves time searching through similar items and helps you find the right aisle or section in the store. The team member simply needs to hold their device up and follow the instructions.
You should be aware of the limitations, like items that have been moved around or misplaced. The team member may use AR navigation to find an empty shelf if they've been moved by guests.
Trend #3: Healthcare and Augmented Reality
Deloitte Research predicts that augmented reality and AI will revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing hands-free AR/MR-enabled solutions and IA-based diagnostic tools. Microsoft Hololens 2 for example can give information to the surgeon and allow them to use both their hands during the procedure.
Covid-19 continues to be restricted, making it more important for hospitals and patients to use augmented reality apps. These include both mental health apps and telesurgery that help people maintain their psychological balance in these difficult times.
AR technology can be used to improve telemedicine solutions, which are currently on the rise. AR technology can be used to make communication between patients and doctors easier. Remote assistance tools are also available to clinicians, allowing them to support patients and reduce downtime.
AR technology, when combined with machine learning algorithms can be an effective option for disease detection. In 2020, Google announced that it had developed an AR-based microscope to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This hybrid device uses a camera that captures images in real-time, which are then processed by computer diagnostics to instantly display results and diagnose the disease early.
Research Dive estimates that the global AR market in healthcare will generate $1,918.6 million by 2026.
Trend #4: Augmented Reality Shopping Experiences
The retail sector has many opportunities for Augmented Reality. Store mapping is one of these opportunities. Augmented reality can be used to provide on-screen guidance that allows users to navigate the store layout and find the item they are looking for.
AR in retail isn't just about navigation in 2022. AR can be used to help customers shop online and in stores. AR-based marketing materials, for example, can increase engagement and purchase likelihood. Interactively presenting information about products and services on Augmented Reality Business Cards can influence buying decisions.
Augmented reality can also be used to help customers "test" products before they buy. Target and Ikea have both launched augmented reality apps that let customers see how the furniture fits in their homes. Target, Sephora, and other stores offer virtual try-on services that allow customers to try on products such as makeup, glasses, and other clothing items like shoes. This can be done at home or in-store. The comfort level of AR technology will increase as it matures.
As mobile virtual fitting room technology improves, so do in-store smart mirrors. Topshop used virtual mirrors powered with Xbox Kinect 3D cameras in 2011. This was a fantastic proof of concept and the precursor to more advanced use-cases with better graphics, processing, etc. Fortune Business Insights estimates that the virtual fitting room market was worth $3.5 billion by 2021. It is projected to reach $12.97 billion in 2028.
Trend #5: Augmented Reality, Remote Assistance
Augmented reality can significantly improve user experiences by providing assistance and learning. Owl Labs estimates that 70% of American workers will work remotely in 2021. Many problems arise when video conferencing is the lifeblood of Telework. What can be done to compensate for the loss of context and the benefits of meeting in real life?
Video conferencing can cause us to lose an entire dimension in context. We are now restricted to two-dimensional space. This can have a negative impact on IT technical support jobs. Teleconferencing is not available. IT specialists can only make suggestions to the user so they can solve the problem themselves before sending their device to the office.
AR IN ACTION 3D VIDEO CALL ASSISTANCE
Augmented reality software may help to restore some of that lost dimension in the conversation. AR development allows IT technicians to provide guidance to users using 3D on-screen directions. The IT technician can draw a line on the screen for the customer's convenience by holding their smartphone camera up to the computer.
WebRTC can create experiences like these. This allows both parties to connect and share the same AR experience through a peer-to-peer connection. This is vital to ensure that video is transmitted in real-time without causing excessive server load.
AR IN ACTION VIRTUAL MANUALS
Virtual manuals, a technology that can be used across industries to increase user satisfaction and product understanding, are a departure from telework. It can also be used in education. AR guides are able to identify objects and tell users about their functions using object recognition. This could be used to guide products such as consumer electronics and vehicle interiors.
Trend #6: Augmented Reality in Automotive Industries
AR technology has made a significant impact on vehicle safety, and usability. Tesla Motors has shown the potential of AR on the road. While they have not implemented AR as effectively with headsets as some might think, they used similar technologies to make it possible. The Full Self-Driving Beta is now available and can be used by many customers. Drivers can see how the advanced suite of cameras continuously analyzes the environment around them using scene analysis and object detection. This powerful system's results can be seen on the vehicle's display, which shows the car's location in space relative to any obstacles.
HEADS UP DISPLAY
AR could also be useful for drivers. AR could be used to provide drivers with a heads-up display (HUD), via a headset, that provides safety information and does not obstruct their field of vision. This system, along with other non-headset-based solutions, can help drivers stay focused on the road by providing them with audio reminders and eye-tracking.
AUTOMOTIVE SALES
Like in other situations, AR can be used to sell cars even when the user is not at home. The AR can be used to create a 3D model of a car from their backyard. This is similar to the way IKEA furniture can be sparked in their living rooms. The vehicle's dimensions and movements can be inspected by the consumer. Most importantly, the consumer can change the color of their vehicle to choose the one they prefer.
Trend #7: AR Glasses, Future Or Fiction?
Augmented reality headsets and glasses have a fascinating reputation. They are widely considered the future of AR technology and have been used in real-world applications. However, they have not yet made it mainstream. They have been used in business and enterprise solutions if they have made a point.
Microsoft's HoloLens 2, a mixed reality headset, isn't priced or promoted for consumers. However, it is being used by the military as well as medical professionals for training and surgeries. The US Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE), which uses AR and VR, allows soldiers to immerse themselves in various scenarios and simulate them. Australian technicians use Microsoft HoloLens and Boeing-developed software to maintain their aircraft.
These headsets are too heavy to be worn by non-enterprise employees. The failure of Google Glass for Consumers showed that we're still far from light and comfortable wearing AR glasses. Google Glass was launched eight years ago. Is it any closer?
DHL and other businesses use Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 for order fulfillment. Many rumors circulate about AR glasses being manufactured by Apple, but little is known about a more comfortable, affordable, and normal-looking pair of glasses that will sweep the market. ARtillery Intelligence predicts that this technology's market will increase from $822 million up to $13.4 billion in 2024.
Trend #8: Live Events, the Metaverse, and Social Upheaval
While Facebook has taken the Internet by storm, its metal branding to Meta may have made it the most popular on the Internet. However, the Metaverse concept and the upheaval of digital communications with extended reality spaces is something that has been around since the beginning. This term was first used in Neal Stephenson's 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash. It may have been an attempt to speculate on the future result of large corporations gaining more control over consumers' lives.
While it is important to be aware of the potential effects of this shift towards virtual and digital reality, the technology's benefits can be tremendously beneficial and give businesses a competitive advantage in many industries. While the metaverse is primarily focused on VR, AR will most likely be used in both business and consumer contexts.
AR-POWERED MEETINGS
Meta's rebranding included the use of metaverse technology to improve how we work via teleconferencing and hybrid meetings. This project aims to remove the barriers that exist in traditional Zoom video conferencing and to bring back the third dimension of the conversation. It also aims at human expression and inclusion. Microsoft Mesh, a joint project with HoloLens, enables hybrid meetings that allow VR and AR features. Teleconferencing users can view their avatars or floating boxes in 3D space.
WEB AR: BETTER Accessibility to AR Features COMES WITH COMPROMISE
Web AR is a particular trend that allows for easier access to AR features. Web AR has been used for a variety of purposes, including virtual career fairs and animated business cards. The AR experience can be powered entirely within the browser of a mobile device. This means that users don't have to download additional applications.
This comes at a high cost. Web AR is not able to access all the capabilities of the device. Web AR's capabilities are limited in terms of quality and application. We recommend a native approach to AR for advanced uses.
There are many millions of WebAR-capable mobile devices, but very few people actually use them.
Trend #9: AR in Education
AR in education has been briefly covered in this AR guides article. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for educational institutions to innovate.
AR in education helps to simplify the way we perceive information. Teachers can use technology to show virtual examples and gamify their learning process. This improves student engagement and accelerates the learning process. Chem101 AR app, for example, helps students understand complex compounds and chemistry. Students can modify molecular structures virtually and get real-time information by using special cards.
Augmented reality apps may also allow students to access unique learning environments that can be dangerous or difficult to replicate in real life. Some apps allow medical students to visualize and create 3D models of the human body and simulate surgery.
AR can be used for employee training, in addition to classroom instruction. AR technology allows you and your employees to train in a secure environment that is cost-effective and efficient. Augmented Reality App allows employees to not only learn about how things work but also to take action and apply the knowledge to their own lives. This is a practice that Japan Airlines and Siemens have already adopted.
AR is poised to grow its market share in education in the next few years. AR is more affordable than VR and offers the same benefits. All that is required for students to use augmented reality apps is an internet connection and a tablet or smartphone. You don't need expensive equipment such as a virtual reality headset. Statista reports that 83.96% of the global population has a smartphone. This creates an ideal environment for AR experiences.
Fact.MR forecasts that AR in education will witness an exponential growth rate over the next few years and reach $85 billion by 2031.
Trend #10: Improving Mobile AR Hardware and LiDAR
The augmented reality industry is seeing a lot of hardware improvements for mobile devices. Apple's LiDAR sensor is a key component of its iPhone 12 Pro Max, and 13 Pro Max smartphones, as well as the iPad Pro. Smartphones like Apple's can measure the depth of scenes using infrared lasers. This allows for a better analysis of scenes in AR experiences.
This technology is also used by some Android phones with flash-based scannerless LiDAR. Samsung's DepthVision analyzes the scene depth using a single flash with infrared lights. After that, a 3D map can be made of the scene. Apple also offers to scan LiDAR systems. This system uses time-of-flight (TOF) to continuously scan an area with various IR pulses.
In terms of AR experience delivery, the performance of both Android and Apple devices is comparable. Accessibility is a key consideration at this time. LiDAR hardware can only be purchased on high-end Android and Apple devices. This means that only a small percentage of AR users will have access to the highest quality. This is why it is so important to develop applications that are relevant in 2022.
Future of Augmented Reality
The potential of augmented reality is evident as the AR industry continues to grow in market value. It is clear that AR has a wider impact than just gaming. It is now used in many other industries.
Gaming still holds the largest share of industry revenue and will remain an important driver of AR. However, AR will continue to be used for practical purposes in engineering, healthcare, and sales.
AR development solutions will also benefit real estate and corporate campus navigation. The emergence of the "metaverse" will help to accelerate the hybridization of telework, virtual meetings, and AR technologies.
