Big data continues to shape the corporate universe in unexpected ways, especially when AI and augmented reality come into play. A few years ago, most experts believed that big data would only be used to handle a few functions:
- Using new data models to enhance marketing
- Improving supply-chain logistics by collecting data on various points in the supply chain
- Improving security by using data to improve threat detection models
A number of new applications of big data have been discovered since. One of them is augmented reality. Virtual reality has been in existence since long before the term big data was popularized. However, the virtual reality systems were not very sophisticated or realistic.
Big data has helped these systems evolve. New augmented reality algorithms keep detailed information on real-world systems to make the simulations much more nuanced.
Big Data Creates New Augmented Reality Systems
Early last year, the IEEE published a paper on the intersection of big data and augmented reality. The authors summarize the fascinating ways that big data is changing the field of augmented reality:
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“Augmented reality (AR) enables us the possibility to visualize and analyze the growing torrent of data in an interactive canvas. Big Data is a new paradigm results from the myriad data sources such as transactions, Internet, social networks, health care devices and sensor networks. AR and big data have a logical maturity that inevitably will converge. The tread of harnessing AR and big data to breed new interesting applications is starting to have a tangible presence. In this paper, we explore the potential to capture value from the marriage between AR and big data technologies, following with several challenges that must be addressed to fully realize this potential.”
Augmented Reality (AR), the less popular relative to virtual reality (VR) is fast becoming popular in business applications. What began largely as a gaming technology is expanding into software, healthcare, education, wearables, retail, and other fields. Augmented reality along with virtual reality has now come of age and these technologies are responsible for numerous intriguing modern technological advancements. Both technologies are collectively labelled as extended reality or “XR”. Experts believe that the combined XR market is rapidly expanding and it currently valued at close to $10 billion, and it is estimated to reach approximately over $61 billion by the year 2022.
What is the Difference between AR and VR?
For the lay person, augmented reality and virtual reality may seem synonymous. However, the two technologies have several distinct features, particularly when it comes to their applications in business. With VR, users are immersed into an entirely artificial digital environment. On the contrary, augmented reality is a technology that overlays some virtual content onto a real-life environment. This means that in AR, the user sees and interacts with the real world while digital objects are added to it.
AR Applications for the Ordinary User
For the ordinary user, AR can be experienced on a smartphone, via an AR application, or through a special headset. For instance, think of Pokemon Go and how millions of people worldwide have been frantically searching for tiny virtual creatures. This is one of the most realistic examples of AR applications for the ordinary consumer.
Big Data and AR Applications for Business
A number of companies are starting to recognize the benefits of using augmented reality. A case study by Cognizant highlights some of them and emphasizes the importance of using AR tools such as Meta Vision Microsoft Holo Lens.
For the retail industry, AR enables customers to relate or interact with brands and products without the need to leave the comfort of the indoors. AR offers a potential of try-ons without visiting the physical store. Consumers can try on various products with AR: clothing, watches, shoes, and jewelry without stepping outside the comfort of their homes. This alone means that AR ads have the potential to be powerful tools for driving sales and boosting revenues for businesses.
To enhance the experience of purchasing a car, AR applications can be designed to allow prospective customers to experience a virtual car in their driveway. Such AR applications allow customers to have a feel of the vehicle by opening the doors, viewing inside, and walking around the vehicle in the same way they would have done on a showroom floor. AR can give the consumers the feeling experienced by a person playing an engaging video game. This helps to cultivate emotional connections to the product, increase brand awareness, and ultimately encourage the customer to make a purchase.
In a nutshell, AR can help business connect with customers in various ways, including intellectual and multi-sensory engagement, as well as emotional connections. The good news about AR technology is that AR applications for business will not necessarily require separate gadgets to operate. Instead, users can just use the gadgets they already have like smartphones and tablets. The challenge is for businesses and companies to create and maintain a stable and secure AR environment in their IT network. This might call for advanced IT support skills. If you are thinking of taking advantage of AR technologies to enhance your customers’ experiences and increase their engagement with your business and brand see IT Support in Utah for a range of possible services to support your AR vision.
Augmented Reality and Big Data Are Changing Business in Great Ways
Augmented reality is a growing technology that is transforming businesses in many ways. It is only possible with new advances in big data. As big data and AR continue to evolve, businesses will benefit from the new technology.