I found this blog post really simple to follow and understand.
Augmented Reality gathers a wide variety of user experiences. We distinguish 3 main categories of Augmented Reality tools.
Augmented Reality 3D viewers, like Augment, allow to place life-size 3D models in your environment thanks to the use of trackers.
Augmented Reality browsers enrich your camera feed with contextual information. For example, you can point your smartphone at a building to display its history or estimated value.
Augmented Reality games create immersive gaming experiences, like shooting games with zombies walking in your own bedroom!
Augmented reality devices
Augmented Reality can be used on all screens and connected devices :
On smartphones and tablets, Augmented Reality feels like a magic window. Hundreds of Augmented Reality apps are available on iPhone, iPad and Android.
On PC and connected TV, Augmented Reality works with a webcam, which can be quite cumbersome when you have to manipulate a tracker in front of your screen.
On connected glasses and lenses, Augmented Reality feels like being Robocop.
Augmented reality best practices
Choose an Augmented Reality solution according to your business needs:
Need to improve the efficiency of your sales team? Choose a turnkey solution like Augment.
Need to integrate an Augmented Reality feature in your own app or create a brand new game? Go for an Augmented Reality SDK.
Need to create an interactive print campaign with Augmented Reality features? Add a clear call-to-action on your print, and use an existing Augmented Reality viewer before investing time and money in your own app.
Augmented reality is defined as a form of technology where computer generated images is superimposed onto objects as a form of enhancement. They improve or augment what is already there.
The integration of the real with the simulated blurs the boundary between the two as well as enhancing our senses. Augmented reality is nearer to the real world than virtual reality which is based upon fully immersive artificial worlds.
What does augmented reality use to generate this enhancement? It uses a variety of media such as graphics, video, smell and touch to mimic those found in the real world. It also changes the way we view the world.
Is this a good or bad thing? The concept of enhancing the world around us is not new as graphics have been superimposed over real world objects for some time now, e.g. television.
But augmented reality has expanded beyond that to include mobile phones, video/computer games and military applications. Mobile phones especially the iPhone use augmented reality apps which allow you to view computer generated images that have been superimposed over real world images. An example of this is an app which helps you to find a restaurant: it does this by displaying restaurant signs/logos as you move in a particular direction.
Another useful type of app is a golf GPRS system which helps golfers around a course. It displays yardages for each of the 18 holes, shows where the hazards are, e.g. bunkers and advice and support on improving your game. If you are golfer then this app will appeal to you immensely – look for the Golfscape Augmented Reality Rangefinder from the Apple store.
Augmented reality is also used in marketing and advertising as a means of enhancing certain aspects of a product in order to make it more attractive which will boost sales. This is discussed in more detail in our augmented reality marketing article.