Augmented reality (AR) is an exciting technology that superimposes digital information onto the real world. In recent years, AR has moved rapidly from niche concept to mainstream adoption across a variety of industries.
So what is driving this surge in augmented reality? In this post, we‘ll explore the key trends that are shaping the evolution of AR in 2023 and beyond.
The Growing Popularity of AR Development Platforms
Hardware and software platforms like ARKit, ARCore and Microsoft Mixed Reality have made it easier than ever for developers to build AR apps. These platforms provide vital AR capabilities like motion tracking, environmental understanding and light estimation out of the box.
As a result, we‘re seeing an explosion of creative AR apps that showcase the technology‘s potential – from interactive gaming experiences like Pokémon GO to practical retail apps from companies like IKEA and Amazon. The rising popularity of these platforms is attracting more developers to work with AR, driving further innovation.
The Emergence of Persistent AR Cloud Services
One exciting innovation is the idea of a "persistent" AR cloud that allows for shared, multiplayer AR spaces. Companies like Niantic are rolling out technology powered by Google Cloud that enables AR models to be stored in a digital space independent of any one user‘s device or session.
This means multiple users can experience the same AR environment simultaneously. Early applications include location-based multiplayer AR gaming and industrial training simulations where teams collaborate on the same virtual assets.
As the technology improves, persistent AR spaces could transform fields like urban design, architecture and advertising by embedding virtual assets into public spaces.
Increasing Use of AR Across Industries
Augmented reality is going mainstream across sectors like retail, manufacturing, healthcare and defense with measurable ROI from AR deployments.
In retail, brands like IKEA, Amazon and Dulux Paints use AR apps to help consumers visualize products in their own home before buying. Research shows this cuts product returns by 40% as buyers are more confident in their purchases. Defense contractors use AR for quicker prototyping and design iteration. Even healthcare providers assist surgeons with AR data overlays in the operation theater.
As more organizations realize tangible benefits, global spend on AR solutions is forecast to grow 6x to $72 billion by 2024. Higher adoption across industries continues to fuel AR innovation.
The Evolution of AR Devices and Hardware
While AR software has improved tremendously thanks to new platforms and cloud capabilities, hardware too is evolving quickly. We‘re seeing gradual improvements in the cameras, processors and sensors that power AR experiences on smartphones and tablets.
At the same time, new form factors like smart glasses and head-mounted displays are emerging for more immersive use cases. Facebook recently unveiled its first smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban while Apple has long been rumored to be working on some form of AR headset. As hardware gets more powerful and even more mainstream in the coming years, it will push new frontiers for AR software as well.
Developer Tools and Resources Driving AR Innovation
Underpinning all the other trends is the growth of the AR developer ecosystem. Beyond platforms from Apple, Google and Microsoft, dozens of startups now provide specialized tools and cloud services to build and deploy AR solutions.
Examples include 3D asset libraries, AR content management systems, location-based services, multi user networking and more. Low-code AR solutions allow non-technical users to create AR content. An abundance of free learning material – documentation, tutorials, case studies – helps developers skill up.
Together, these resources provide AR developers unprecedented access to cutting-edge capabilities spurring new applications across industries.
The Future of AR – A World Where Digital Meets Reality
While technical and cost barriers exist, immersive technologies like augmented reality are closer than ever to mass adoption. As hardware improves and 5G networks roll out, AR use cases will dramatically expand – from assisted reality overlays for factory workers to persistent geo-located virtual spaces enabling next-gen social experiences.
In the long term future, the convergence of technologies like AR, AI and robotics could transform society in ways we can only imagine today – perhaps even meshing the physical and digital so seamlessly that reality itself is redefined!
