How Can Augmented Reality Fit Into Mobile Apps?

Augmented reality (AR) is the projection or the integration of the real world into a virtual one. The integration takes place through various interfaces in real-time, which gives reality an improved makeover. The view that the user gets accordingly is a reality that has been augmented with the help of technology.

AR uses technology such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (S.L.A.M.) and depth-tracking. It is different from virtual reality (VR) in that VR excludes reality completely and projects a virtual one in its place, while AR uses reality and presents it in an enhanced way.

Augmented reality fits into mobile apps by making use of phones’ cameras and sensors so as to enable the users to view reality in a wholly composite manner. The phone as a medium improves upon the reality to suit and thereby fulfill the user’s needs.

The types of AR that exist today are marker-based, marker-less, projection-based, and superimposition-based. Marker-based AR apps like WhatsApp and Paytm are those which help us by using markers such as QR Codes. Marker-less or location-based AR apps (such as Google Maps) are those which utilize GPS, compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope to inform the users about events and places for hanging out near them, among others. Projection-based AR apps are basically manufacturing apps which allow artificial light to interact with real objects. Superimposition-based AR apps (like the IKEA Catalog app) allow us to view reality by superimposing virtual items onto it.

The fields that have made the most interesting use of AR apps are gaming, architecture, real estate, archaeology, tourism, etc.

1. Gaming:
The best example of an AR gaming mobile app is undoubtedly Pokémon Go. The game became quite popular and gained a huge number of users just a few years back. Pokémon Go uses reality which it then integrates with the game to give the player the digital gaming experience in the real world.

2. Architecture and Real Estate:
There are a number of AR-based mobile apps, like Realar, which allow users to view and navigate through, and thus choose, the house of their dreams by virtually viewing the rooms, and even allowing us to add furniture or remove them, just to get the complete feel of actually being there.

3. Archaeology and Tourism:
There are apps that let us view actual geographical places from historical points of view. Apps like CityView AR simulate actual places. Projects such as StreetSmart and Futuristic History have conducted research into letting tourists view information visually. History buffs and travelers could then compare, say, the city of Florence during the Renaissance and Florence as it exists now, in the 21st century, and the actual variation in architecture, roadways and marketplaces that existed between the two centuries.

Apart from AR and VR, Mixed Reality, or MR, which combines features of both AR and VR, is another phenomenon that is making its mark in the field of technology. The first MR-based app, HoloLens, was released by Microsoft in 2016.

We hope that this article has provided a perspective on AR fitting into mobile apps. Please do share your feedback as comments below.

The Latest Mobile Application Development Trends 2018

With the world living on their mobile phones, it comes as no surprise that mobile apps are more popular than ever. Everything technologically possible has made its way to mobile apps. Businesses with well-developed mobile apps have an edge over their competitors. As a professional mobile app development company based in Pune, here are some mobile application development trends that we think are here to stay.

Mobile Payment Apps are the Future  

More and more mobile users are getting used to mobile payment mobile apps. Better safety and security safeguards have also influenced their choices.  On a rough estimate, about 1.2 billion people have access to bank accounts, while over 5 billion people have mobile phones. That is why several financial institutions are looking to expand their customer base and go mobile.

Mobile payments are now the most convenient customer payment option. It is easy for maintaining online payment records, is more secure, and offers a better customer experience. According to statista.com, revenue from global mobile payments was $450 billion in 2015; it is expected to cross $1 trillion in 2019.

On-Demand Mobile Apps are Here to Stay

Get a customer’s day-to-day needs packaged into a mobile app and what do you get? An on-demand app! Majority of US consumers spend on online shopping apps. The other popular on-demand apps they use are for transportation and getting food/grocery delivered to their homes. Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb are now the iconic on-demand apps of our times.

According to a Burson-Marsteller survey, 51% of the on-demand app providers have claimed that their revenue has increased compared to the previous year. About 64% on-demand app owners expect their revenues to improve in the following year.

The Wonders of Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) mobile apps have been the surprise package lately. AR and VR expenditure is set to touch $17.5 billion this year, an astonishing 95% increase from 2017’s $9.1 billion spending. The obsessive Pokemon Go craze began the AR surge. Since then, apart from gaming, education and health sectors, energy, manufacturing, and telecommunication sectors are also opting for AR mobile apps to provide users with an immersive, unforgettable experience.

A Digi-Capital report predicts that AR will be worth $108 billion in 2021. From helping Parkinson’s patients to helping you fit into your favorite clothing brand, getting a detailed 3D view of a new car, exciting advertising solutions and more, AR is here to help businesses in new, wondrous ways.

The Game Changers: Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Apps

Mobile apps now have better usage and superior interaction elements, thanks to machine learning (ML). Machine learning is a great option for personalization. The E-commerce sector is already using ML to predict customer choices and precisely recommend products. Healthcare and fitness tracking apps are also using ML to recommend treatments and remedies, as are authentication services. The popular dating app Tinder owes its success to ML, so do Google Maps and Snapchat.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming user engagement and business in mobile apps. AI has been a game changer for many businesses already.  Already, AI has made inroads into the predictive and statistical analysis, chatbots, and intelligent products like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. AI promotes lightning fast responses to customer demands; helps regulate influencer-based marketing. For its astounding accuracy, automation, and for adapting learning algorithms, AI and ML will remain an integral part of superior mobile apps.

What do you think are the latest mobile application trends that will shape the future of numerous businesses? Do you agree or disagree with the trends discussed in this article? Please share your comments below.