“Augment” refers to make something greater by adding to it, AR applications does the same. They enhance part of the user’s physical reality with computer-generated sensory input. Modalities for this input could be visual, auditory, and haptic (relating to touch or proprioception). Notwithstanding, human limitations other modalities are also possible.

AR is part of a broader field known as Extended Reality (XR). XR refers to all technologies that combine the real and digital worlds to create a new experience. It is an umbrella term that includes AR, Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR).

So, how do you choose which one is the best?

The lines between these subfields of XR can be classified as:

• ⦁ Augmented Reality: Digital elements appear over representations of the real world, with limited interactivity between them. AR often takes place via smartphone. 
• ⦁ Mixed Reality: Digital elements are anchored to representations of the real world to create opportunities for interactivity.
• ⦁ Virtual Reality: The user is immersed in a fully digital, fully interactive environment.

How does AR work?

AR relies on several technologies, including hardware and software. Visual input is the most common AR modality, so here's how it works:

• ⦁ Sensors collect data about the environment.
• ⦁ A software algorithm creates a virtual map of the environment.
• ⦁ The algorithm locates the device within the virtual map.
• ⦁ Digital content is placed within the virtual map.

Prospects of usage

Since augmented reality can display virtual objects embedded in our real world, various opportunities have already emerged or are in transition phase for businesses and consumers

• ⦁ Avatars
• ⦁ Spatial audio
• ⦁ Taking digital items into the real world (NFTs)
• ⦁ Geospatial Api for ARCORE
• ⦁ AR Glasses
• ⦁ AR in Marketing
• ⦁ Powering Indoor and Outdoor Navigation
• ⦁ Healthcare and Augmented Reality
• ⦁ Augmented Reality Shopping Experiences
• ⦁ Augmented Reality in Manufacturing
• ⦁ Augmented Reality in Automotive Industries

The Future of Augmented Reality

The augmented reality market will continue to excel with time, especially as technology becomes more accessible to masses. With there being a significant growth in the focus on metaverse technologies, AR is the next step for many businesses. Big corporations may want to jump into this sector a bit early.

However, those looking to respond to more immediate growth and change may find better success in retail and mobile applications. AR-capable smartphones and tablets are everywhere and are great opportunities to advertise and extend conversion-driving experiences to users.

With its expected market to reach

$97.76 billion in 2028

, it is evident that augmented reality is the future for many industries and sectors of human society. That future will be determined by businesses that adapt to today’s challenges in new and innovative ways. Companies that offer rich AR experiences to their customers will be much better equipped to stand up alongside their competition.