Augmented Reality (AR) isn’t always talked about in the same breath as its cousin Virtual Reality (VR), although this branch of new technology is set to have even bigger implications for the way we live our day-to-day lives. While VR can transport people into whole new imaginary digital worlds, AR is all about optimizing the real world, with seamless assistance for everything from map directions to live sports statistics.
As fun as inhabiting entirely new worlds may be, most people won’t want to live in a different reality for too long. There are a limited number of industries that could benefit significantly from VR, due to accessibility and technological restrictions. On the other hand, using AR is an exciting prospect for many sectors and companies. Whether it’s helping chefs with easily viewable recipes or teachers with explanations of complex mathematical concepts, there’s a use case for most areas.
Which brings us to the big question: is AR the next big leap in technology? Many experts are increasingly labeling this novel invention as a new frontier for human innovation. Read on for the lowdown.
What is AR?
AR is all about adding to our pre-existing reality, rather than completely separating ourselves from it. This could involve digital glasses with overlaid information on traffic during a drive, for example, or using a smartphone to work out where to place potential new furniture before actually making a purchase.
AR covers a broad variety of bases, with a distinguishing factor being the ability for people to use a range of devices. While VR headsets are essential to enjoying VR, AR is a common fixture on most people’s smartphones, says PC Mag.
This versatility and accessibility is perfect for various use cases. Retailers can help customers virtually try on new clothes, while surgeons can benefit from clear, step-by-step instructions superimposed on to patients during operations. As AR continues to evolve, we’re bound to see more potential advantages. It’s no surprise that so many tech experts are expecting it to be such a profound leap forward.
Exciting AR use cases
One of the best ways to truly understand how AR has the capacity to considerably shake up the status quo is looking at the potential use cases.
Online casinos
AR could be the next step for the live dealer casino world, allowing software developers to make sitting at interactive live tables even more immersive. Players could interact with dealers and fellow players as if they were in the same room, while also accessing detailed statistics and strategies. Modern casino operators, including Royal Panda, are finely tuned to the next pioneering inventions in the industry, so as soon as AR live dealer games become available, they will be the first to know.
Sports betting
Online casino players aren’t the only gamblers who could benefit from AR, with sports bettors also having the potential to take advantage. For example, AR glasses could be used while watching live football, allowing bettors to keep up to date with statistics without looking at a separate screen. Betting operators could even enhance their apps to let people place wagers using the very same AR glasses.
Logistics
Huge companies like Amazon are already leveraging AR technology to assist drivers and warehouse packers, with AR glasses helping workers optimize their workflow for greater efficiency and time-effectiveness, says Technology Magazine. This will also benefit consumers by cutting delivery times and reducing the chance of any potential packing errors.
Teaching and education
AR will have a huge influence on new teaching techniques, in particular, gamification in modern learning management strategies. There is no better way to engage the next generation of learners than adding to their pre-existing realities in novel and intriguing ways. Science classes could be taken to entirely new levels, with pupils able to explore 3D models of planets or enjoy a hands-on approach to virtual dissection. Teachers will benefit from these direct and realistic learning techniques, alleviating boredom and boosting concentration levels with an exciting new approach to education.
