In layman terms, Augmented Reality is a combination of real and virtual worlds. For instance, a real scenario, when captured on video or camera, the technology augments that real-world image with extra layers of digital information.
There is a common belief that it is just another word for Virtual Reality. Though quite similar… there is a key difference between them. Virtual Reality immerses the subject completely into the virtual or the digital world whereas augmented reality as defined above is a combination of the real and virtual world.
Augmented Reality can bring to life the static images on a page. The best example of AR is SkyView Lite App…you can point the phone’s camera anywhere around you and see the planets and constellations in their current, real-time positions, but on the screen.
Considered as the hottest trend in 2019, AR technology has significantly evolved since it came into existence in 1990. The technology is used in mobile apps to games like Pokémon Go, Snapchat filters etc.
Benefits of Augmented Reality
Healthcare: AR helps in treating patients suffering from anxiety and also helps a surgeon perform a complicated surgery. The technology has immense benefits in the healthcare segment.
Education: Of all the sectors education can benefit the most from AR. The technology can help in enhancing the learning experience in the classroom, it can be utilised to explain abstract and intricate ideas, it improves the interaction and engagement in classrooms and last but not the least it is more informative.
Construction: AR is an emerging technology that will take the market by storm once its true potential is realised. In the construction sector it can help in real-time visualisation of the project and can also help in better collaboration and communication.
Manufacturing: Though an emerging technology, AR is quite beneficial in the manufacturing industry. It helps in the production of goods and helps engineers build a product in a faster and smarter way.
Its vast ability to be informative and simplify the subject has made it the next big thing in the technology sector. Many top companies like Microsoft, Apple and Facebook are investing a lot of money in AR research and hardware.
AR is currently projected as a 215 billion-dollar industry. It has immense benefits for students who are planning a career in AR. However, it has benefits for students who are not planning a career in building AR apps or games. Hence, the working knowledge of the technology is important for every individual looking to play a role in the coming years.
