Technology has been through a lot of changes in many years. We have watched it grow and contribute to our lives. Now, technology is taking yet another step to becoming more advanced, intelligent, and impactful.
Two of the well-known technologies we have enjoyed in the past years are Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), or collectively known as Extended Reality (XR).
These technologies have been long introduced into the world, but it was only given notice in recent years. Now, people are becoming extremely fond of these technologies, that custom business applications have noticed it.
Aside from Snapchat selfie features, these technologies are now becoming a part of the retail or shopping industry. It makes it easy for customers to buy what they want without stepping out of their house.
However, AR/VR doesn’t only stop there. With the changes in human behaviour and the more technologies developed, AR/VR will also go along with it.
In 2020, there are more than we are to see from both of these technologies.
AR And VR In Healthcare
It’s not a surprise to know that Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality experience will develop in the healthcare industry. In fact, the investment in technology will grow by 38% annually.
The industry has noticed the impact of AR technology and Virtual Reality applications on helping patients with their problems.
Some examples that these technologies have contributed to the industry.
- Treatment for anxiety, phobias, and autism
- Diagnosis of cognitive and visual impairment
- Helps healthcare professions draw blood without difficulty
In 2020, there would be more advancement in the use of these technologies. It could soon be assisting surgeons in performing surgeries.
AR In Shopping
The technology had been introduced in the retail industry a few years ago. IKEA is one of the known companies to have incorporated AR to their shopping experience. They have an app that allows customers to point at a spot in their house and check if the product looks better. This way of shopping makes it convenient for customers, as they don’t need to leave the comfort of their homes.
IKEA is not the only company that has introduced AR technology into their shopping experience. Some names in the fashion industry have also used AR to allow users to check on products that best suit them before buying.
Customers do enjoy the experience of this technology. In a survey conducted, 48% of customers prefer if their online shopping experience is integrated with AR.
This year, AR will grow to accommodate the shopping needs of customers.
AI And AR Integration
Artificial Intelligence or AI has already made its way into different industries, but it has worked well in the shopping industry as support for customers. But imagine a world where AI and AR joined together. It would bring a great experience, even greater than the individual technologies can offer.
We have already seen AI enhancing AR technologies, such as filters in our social media cameras in Snapchat and Instagram. But of course, AI and AR will not only settle for such. It will grow far more into something that can assist in our day to day life.
Researches have seen that the healthcare industry will benefit well with the incorporation of AI and AR. These technologies will transform the healthcare business to a whole new experience for both the healthcare professional and the patient.
AR And VR In Education
Virtual Reality experience will play a vital role in the field of education. This year it will make learning more fun and will find better ways to improve one’s knowledge.
It can take students from a normal classroom setting into a world that could improve their learning. They can learn skills in a safe environment before performing it in real life.
The best Virtual Reality experience can assist in learning, like history and other subjects. It can also help catch students’ attention to be interested in a subject matter.
Meanwhile, AR will assist in improving skills like in military training or in the field of medicine.
5G Enhance AR And VR Experience
5G was introduced to the world earlier last year. It has been adopted by various telecommunication companies such as Huawei, Cisco Systems, and Nokia.
It is known now as the fastest network of wireless technology, with a speed of 10 Gigabits per second. It’s faster than the previous 4G technology.
The speed of 5G will contribute to the experience of using AR and VR. In the past, streaming VR was limited because of the slow speed, but now, VR streaming would be easy, allowing users to view things on their screen in real-time.
Also, it wouldn’t be a burden for AR and VR developers. They’ll be able to create AR and VR powered tools without compromising the quality.
AR In Automotive Industry
AR is now becoming part of the automotive industry, giving benefits that can help a lot of drivers.
Companies like Nvidia and WayRay have created software for the automotive industry that incorporates AR into it. It shows details of a potential threat, directions, and landmark. Also, it projects lane identification and detection of hazards on the windshield.
AR will enhance the safety of drivers and bringing them comfort and convenience in real-time.
Conclusion
We are to see massive changes in AR and VR technologies, where it will bring an immense impact on human lives. It will be developed and integrated into different industries to make the workflow fast but safe.
2020 might be the year AR and VR will start to pave the way and grow for the coming years. We will see its presence in more than a Snapchat filter or in finding Pokémon characters. It will become more helpful in many ways.
