You have probably heard about Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), but you want to know more. So you came across the right source – this is the article you need to read.
For most people, those terms sound somewhat exotic and futuristic. However, interactive displays, virtual 3D models and animated holograms are features that already do exist, so these technologies are not part of the future but of our present life.
Real environment modified by computer software has been present in areas such as aviation and gaming. For example, chasing virtual Pokemons with smartphones has become viral all around the world. This is augmented reality used for entertainment. AR has far more potential applications, which may even contribute to the development and marketing of your own business. AR is still a technology under development, and numerous tech companies are working on it and trying to improve it. Therefore, if you keep yourself informed about it, you might be on the wave crest and thus among the first to adopt these innovations.
Understanding Augmented Reality:
Let’s find out together what Augmented Reality is. Does it sound exciting?
AR is the technology which expands the physical world by adding digital information to it. In comparison to Virtual Reality which creates a whole new artificial world, thus replacing the real one, Augmented Reality appears superimposed on the existing environment, thus combining the digital (e.g. sounds, videos, animations or images) and the real world. For example, 3D models are projected to the physical objects or fused with them in real-time. AR apps could be used in our social life, entertainment and business.
AR is the live direct view of the physical world through a digital filter. Augmented Reality can be displayed through various devices: mobile phones, screens, glasses, etc.
Types of Augmented Reality:
There are 4 main types of augmented reality: markerless AR; marker-based AR; projection-based AR and superimposition-based AR.
- Marker-based AR. It is also known as image recognition, as it requires a special visual object and a camera to scan it. The visual object may be a printed QR code or a personalised image. A marker initiates the visualisation of digital animations which are viewed through a device by the user. For example, images in a magazine may turn into 3D models.
- Markerless AR. This is a location-based augmented reality which utilises a GPS to provide data based on the user’s location and determines what AR content you find in a certain area. This type of AR produces maps and directions or nearby businesses info. Applications include events and information, business ads pop-ups, navigation support.
- Projection-based AR. It projects synthetic light to physical surfaces, and in some cases allows to interact with it. A good example is the holograms used in sci-fi movies.
- Superimposition-based AR. It adds to the original view an augmented layer. For example, some apps for furniture catalogues use superimposed augmented reality, which allows users to place virtual furniture in the rooms.
Implementing Augmented Reality into your Business:
Augmented Reality has taken several different forms, but one of the most innovative trends that you can use is Augmented Reality Business Cards. Impress your customers and surpass the competitors at a minimal cost with this futuristic technology. You can now easily convert your existing business card into a smart card.
HoloCardz can make your business card unique by adding AR features to it and creating a personalised mobile app for you. The more creative your card is, the more curious your clients would be, and the more popularity you and your business would gain. Making your card innovative would end up in more people eager to scan the card through the branded app. Once the users use the free application to scan the card, it would instantly load a video/animation/audio right on their screen, in a pop-up manner that is pre-recorded and designed in collaboration with you. Therefore the user would have a more personalised way of exploring the details of your product and company – right out of your card.
