In its simplest form, augmented reality allows businesses to use technology to overlay digital data on to the real world. Although this is making big waves in a range of industries across Brisbane, it is only just out of its infancy stage and starting to show consumers what it can do. However, as a creative force in business, augmented reality is very definitely here to stay. Which is why, if you operate in Brisbane, you really can’t afford to ignore it.
Augmented reality apps come in two forms: location-based and marker-based. Location-based apps use the mobile capabilities of devices to monitor position. This has many applications in location-sensitive functionality. Everything from finding your way up Mt Nebo to viewing the stars in the night sky is location-based augmented reality.
Marker-based augmented reality operates by pinpointing patterns via the device camera then overlaying this with digital information. It is this that has the real potential for businesses in Australia to enhance the consumer experience, with marketers seeing a huge range of applications. Of course, it’s not just commercial enterprises that can benefit from AR. There is also significant advantages in terms of training and education. Augmented reality will soon be playing a part in everyday life at Mater Hospital and Queensland University of Technology, as well as in construction, vehicle design, running events in the city and much more.
Mobile Apps
Our team can help create IOS and Android AR apps for mobile devices. Perfect if you have a vested audience and wanting an ongoing multi-use application for your customers. We’ll take care of everything from UX design, development, and content creation to App Store and Google Play submissions.
Web AR
It’s now possible to have AR experiences directly through the devices browser, no app download required. Perfect if you are looking at a single use AR experience such as a product packaging activation. All you need to do is push your customer to the URL through your POS or QR code and your products can come alive in seconds!
Social AR
Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat now have extensive AR functionality built into their cameras. The MASSIVE advantage of this is most people already have one or more of these apps installed on their devices and you tap into the native sharing functionality of these apps to spread your promotion to a much wider audience.
Headset AR
An AR headset provides the most immersive high-end AR experience possible. Using only hand gestures the user can navigate their way through your AR experience. A fantastic tool for staff training, a workforce out in the field and for trade shows, visitor experiences and demonstrations.
Get in touch discuss ideas of how you can build Augmented Reality (AR) into your sales & marketing plans and reach potential customers in a completely new way.
What does AR app development involve?
Augmented reality app development should always start with the desired end result front of mind. AR creation requires a combination of skills including 3D modelling, computer vision and imaging expertise. You also need a knowledge of, and passion for, existing mobile technologies. As AR involves superimposing 3D imagery over real-time images, it also requires image processing expertise. This will allow developers to track markers and natural features in any environment.
When using computer software, you also need to bear in mind that images should look realistic, aligning with the real world. This can be tricky to get right but is fundamental to success. The UI/UX also needs to be intuitive otherwise it will provide little value to the end user.
A recent AR Hololens project we worked on…
Real use cases for augmented reality
AR for Retail & Commerce
Use a smartphone to allow customers to 'virtually' try an item before buying in their existing surroundings and then connect directly to your online shop to purchase instantly.
AR for Industry & Manufacturing
Improve safety, improve service manuals & instructions, service inspections & verification, operator & assembly work instructions, remote expert guidance and more...
AR for Training & Education
Using AR to educate & train employees or students at any level of education provides an immersive, multi-sensory experience to compliment traditional methods.
AR for Navigation & Way-finding
With the help of internal location beacons AR Smartphone apps can help with way-finding through complex and large spaces with triggered advertising displayed en-route.
AR for Medical & Healthcare
AR apps can deliver real-time information to the treatment area to support diagnosis, surgery and treatment plans plus aid remote training of staff.
AR for the Gaming Industry
Everyone needs a break right? AR games are leading the way in pushing AR technology just as VR has advanced due to the gaming industry growth.
AR for Real Estate & Property
AR apps can act as a virtual guide showcasing a property and informing the future tenant or owner of the highlights and selling points of the space.
AR for Travel & Tourism
AR teleportation apps can literally open a door to anywhere in the world allowing a customer to walk through and experience a new destination.
What is an AR experience?
Part of the appeal of augmented reality for businesses in Australia is that it can help you to create experiences that connect with customers in an entirely new way. Big brands are already adopting augmented reality technology to try and offer innovative content and sales solutions. For example, you can now ‘try on’ Gucci shoes by simply pointing your phone at your feet and selecting the styles you want to experience.
The Ikea Place function lets you see how furniture might look in your home once assembled, with the app being 98% accurate in terms of scale. Images are rendered to incorporate light and shade for a more realistic augmented reality experience.
However, it’s not just large scale multinationals that can benefit from this kind of reality augmented technology. There are practical applications for businesses all across Brisbane too. The technology required for augmented reality is more affordable and common than its sister technology, virtual reality (VR). As long as customers have a smartphone or tablet they can experience augmented visuals while VR requires a specialist headset.
For example, interior designers and builders in Brisbane can show clients what finished designs and projects will look like in their own home in St Lucia. This helps customers to make an emotional connection far beyond just looking at drawings and schematics. Construction firms can use it to show what an extension will look like when finished, using the real time image of your home in Pullenvale as the base.
In retail and the service industry, AR can be used to let customers experiment with different hairstyles and make up options in city hairdressers or South Brisbane salons, or view different colour sports cars at a dealership in Dutton Park.
Of course, while augmented reality technology works on smart phones and tablets, for a more immersive experience it is also possible to use headsets and other tech options.
What are the best AR headsets available?
There are various types of AR headsets and devices available for use in Brisbane. Below we give you a quick break down of what’s available.
- Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are the most available and best fit for AR mobile apps, ideal for many uses.
- Special AR devices are designed for augmented reality experiences, such as head-up displays (HUD), sending data directly into user’s view, with uses in aviation, manufacturing, sports and more.
- AR glasses include Google Glasses, Meta 2 Glasses, Laforge AR and others can display notifications from your smartphone and allow you to access content hands-free.
- AR contact lenses take augmented reality one step further, with features like taking photos or storing data.
- Virtual retinal displays create images by projecting laser light into the human eye but remain to be made suitable for everyday use.
Some of the above may be a few years away in terms of commercial use but as a potential multi-billion dollar industry, it is very likely to be a big part of our future. Find out more about augmented reality, VR and other technology solutions by getting in touch with 3D Walkabout.