What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality is another form of Virtual Reality. In this technology, a computer-generated environment can be created, matching the environment around you. Simply put, a virtual scene is created by connecting another virtual world with the environment around you, which looks real.
From healthcare, education to gaming and entertainment, multiple industries have experienced change, thanks to Augmented Reality technology. Consistently, the demand for quality AR experiences on smartphones and other devices is increasing. Hardly we find anyone who isn't conversant in Augmented Reality (AR) technology during this digital world.
Multiple brands are using augmented reality technology in their businesses, which successively provides fresh user experiences. Companies apply augmented reality technology to make product demos and interactive ads. This technology provides real-time information to the purchasers. Whenever people inherit contact with a product, they will form an emotional bond which successively creates more opportunities to shop for the merchandise.
Role of Augmented Reality in Business
The primary goal of all companies is to urge customers to use their services or buy their products. Businesses educate users about their products. Businesses associate themselves with potential customers and build long-term relationships for future commerce. Augmented Reality (AR) can satisfy the requirements of all companies because its design is exceptionally intuitive, and it blends digital elements with real-life environments. Companies use AR in mobile apps, websites, and more. The uses of augmented reality are abundant. Here, we'll discuss the five major industries that use AR technology.
Commerce and Retail
AR software features a myriad of opportunities within the retail sector. This technology is often used in-store or out-of-store. The in-store experience allows the customer to interact with the AR within the walls of the shop. These are often virtual fitting rooms that help customers decide the dimensions or color of a product. In an out-of-store experience, customers don't get to leave their homes to urge the experience. Customers can virtually try the merchandise and choose a beautiful piece. It makes the shopping experience filled with fun and efficiency.
Real Estate
AR technology features a lot going for land because the Internet is the favorite place buyers and renters search for new homes. This technology helps save time for both the purchasers and realtors because it helps in filtering the homes consistent with their choice. Construction workers use AR software to usher in blueprints and pictures for clients to ascertain what their potential new home might appear as if.
Education and Training
In teaching and learning processes, AR technology has limitless possibilities. It offers a singular cognition path with immersive real-world situations. Without injuring patients, medical students can attempt their first surgery. Astronauts can prepare for subsequent space missions. AR technology provides fantastic psychological and physical experiences and supply a real virtual experience that will be applied in the real world.
Maps
AR technology also plays a crucial role within the tourism sector. Many countries make attractive shows and attract tourists with the assistance of AR software. Cities and hotels can be navigated and explored with the assistance of road signs and road maps. Museums can provide tours with more in-depth information about exhibits with the assistance of augmented reality software.
Dating Industry
AR technology is employed in dating apps during which users can log in using social networks. The user can then fill in their profile and begin his search. The user can scan their surroundings to seek out app users and, therefore, date with AR software.
Military Sector
AR technology helps prepare soldiers for combat within the military sector by creating situational guidance, removing bombs and other sorts of explosive elements. AR software enhances the talents of soldiers to use a spread of weapons and to identify applications visually.
Entertainment
AR is taking over the show business. In music, live events,movies, etc. The reach of multimedia, games, videos, and presentations can be increased with AR software assistance, which successively helps create better impressions.
Healthcare
AR technology helps to know patient's symptoms. This system can show the effect of cataracts on the human eye. AR software helps nurses find veins quickly and also assists surgeons during procedures.
Construction
In real-time, project managers can monitor work progress via AR markers on the tool. AR software uses digital maps and plants, which help in saving tons of your time. Within the factory, manufacturing processes are often facilitated and accelerated with the assistance of this technology.
Open Source Augmented Reality Apps
ARToolKit+
ARToolKit+ is an open-source AR software that solves the fundamental problems in Augmented Reality, including geometric and photometric registration. ARToolkit+ is a collection of various tools to provide users with satisfactory results. This free augmented reality software uses scalable AR solutions to solve real-world issues.
Key Features:
• modular open-source code
• Mobile focus on secure development
• smart glasses
• Android and iOS Support
• content creation
• material library
• simulation
• Drag and drop
• charged particles
• virtual reality integration
Mixare
Mixare is an open-source augmented reality browser that works as a fully autonomous application. Mixare is a free AR software is available for Android and iPhone 3GS. It is published under GPLv3, and its implementation is also available for development.
Key Features:
• simulation
• virtual reality integration
• Drag and drop
• content creation
• material library
Toolkit
HoloKit is one of the top open-source Augmented Reality software that uses mobile devices. It includes HeadKit Cardboard headset and TrackKit software. HoloKit provides an experience of Mixed Reality with the help of smartphones and mixed reality apps. It provides users with an immersive solution.
Key Features:
• virtual reality integration
• charged particles
• real-world background
• 3d object
• content creation
• 76-degree diagonal field of view
• Inside-out tracking function
• mixes the real and the virtual
Brio
BRIO, which has the potential to inspire the audience, is free. This software supports ray tracing in the browser. The BRIO material library contains a selection of materials and textures that users can apply to the model. It's easy to share the BRIO scene online.
Key Features:
• drag-and-drop interface
• Multiple file format support
• virtual reality integration
• 3d object
• content creation
• cross-device publishing
• material library
• real-world background
• simulation
• tracking and analysis
• charged particles
Adobe Aero
Adobe Aero is a free AR software. Adobe Aero allows you to view, create interactive Augmented Reality experiences. You don't need to do complex coding and can easily blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds. The software delivers engaging AR experiences quickly and easily.
Key Features:
• add interactive elements
• Set the route for the animation
• content creation
• material library
• simulation
• Tracking & Analytics
• virtual reality integration
• Drag and drop
• cross-device publishing
Vuforia Engine
Vuforia Engine is a free AR software used by companies of all sizes. It is considered as one of the top free AR software solutions that can give better results. The Vuforia Engine supports AR devices such as phones, tablets, and headsets to reach the largest audience on all major platforms.
Key Features:
• simulation
• unparalleled accuracy
• virtual reality integration
• charged particles
• 3d object
• creative empowerment
• content creation
• material library
• real-world background
• advanced vision
• tracking and analysis
• maximum reach
• Drag and drop
ZapWorks Studio
ZapWorks Studio is a complete augmented reality toolkit for commercial use. The software has an efficient AR toolkit for companies that like to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. With this software, the user can quickly create, publish, analyze and scale immersive AR experiences. Designers and developers can create fully customizable AR experiences across print, product, packaging, retail, and event.
Key Features:
• effective marketing campaign
• Interactive Product Visualization
• cross-device publishing
• Drag and drop
• real-world background
• charged particles
• virtual reality integration
• Tracking & Analytics
• 3d object
• content creation
• material library
• World Tracking
• immersive video
• custom graphical user interface
Conclusion:
With the assistance of AR technology, architects, marketers, educators, and game developers can have a preview of their work. It's a blessing for businesses because it helps in providing product demos and enhances the customer experience. The list of top-level quality, free, and open-source augmented reality software in this article offers promising results for the users.
You may like to read:
Augmented Reality and Digital Marketing: The Way Forward
Top 8 Augmented Reality Apps for Healthcare
