Look around and see what kind of conversation are people engaging in these days. Is it about properties? The recession? Well, yes. But from a digital perspective – the future is rapidly evolving and predictions and ongoing events tell us that the intersection of Metaverse and Web3 combined with the bigger blockchain network has the potential to change how we function in a society for the better.
Right now, the likes of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is still considered emerging technological field but figures show us that augmented reality is far past its growth stage. Leading businesses are implementing a thorough augmented reality strategy in their digital products.
In fact – numbers show us that the global market for apps that include augmented reality as an essential feature are currently $20 billion right now if we include games and general apps. And in the future, the project worth is estimated to be anywhere between $50 billion to $70 billion – potentially leading the charts.
Depending on the kind of project you are aiming to work on and how you plan to upscale – we highly recommend you take a look at the most popular AR apps right and see how you can implement a clear-cut strategy in your own app next time.
The Most Popular AR Apps
We have listed down apps from a wide range of categories with one common feature, a robust AR strategy to showcase how web development companies in NJ and beyond are implementing augmented reality into their apps. Take a look.
IKEA Place
It might come across as a surprise – but yes – IKEA recently launched an app that helps people decorate and set up their homes in an easier way by checking out furniture comfortably.
The main point is that there is an option for users to open their cameras and move furniture around their home in a virtual environment, powered by AR.
So far, considering the reviews, the 3D models are scalable and there have been no complaints regarding the UX/UI experience.
Right now, IKEA Place is considered as one of the most acclaimed digital products launched by the Swedish company.
Snapchat
Before AR even became a part of the mainstream tech world, Snapchat trusted augmented reality and the technology was a core part of Snapchat’s functionality and still continues to be.
Snapchat is known for its out-of-the-world graphics, effects, emojis, and the overall animated interface – augmented reality is responsible for most of it.
Recently, Snapchat launched a Snap AR Lens Studio to dedicate an entirely different platform specifically for an augmented reality experience for users. In the future, Snapchat plans to continue to provide its 400 million users with a unique immersive experience, all with the help of augmented reality.
Google Lens
Powered by Google, the app does not require any introduction. Google Lens is used by over 500 million users and there is one simple goal – to open the camera and see the world in a better, more digital way with the inclusion of augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
Google Lens empowers people to walk around the city, be it a tourist in a foreign country, or anyone else. Easily see details about landmarks, areas, sign boards – any kind of image or text basically.
Found an ancient building? Scan it and Google will provide all details along with 3D models, creating a much more fun experience.
Google Maps
Another app powered and supported by Google in this list is the signature Google Maps app. The app has been around since the very concept of smartphones was announced and over the past decade – Google Maps has evolved into a much more interactive and fun app.
It is more than a map. A navigation app that helps consumers get to their destination in a productive, educational, and time-saving manner is how we’d like to describe it. Google Maps included AR technology into its framework a while back and the way tourists walk now is much more interactive. Virtual signs and other 3D objects will show up when the camera is open.
If you want to navigate toward a mobile app development company in Austin, simply mention Google Maps as an example and see what they come up with, it is an industry standard. So far, there are some questionable reviews on the integration of AR in the app but with updates, we expect Google Maps to roll out updates and improve as more users sign up.
Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go was one of the first mainstream games to gain traction and take leverage of AR technology at the right time. Launched back in 2016, the game had a huge cultural impact and has generated total revenue of $1.2 billion dollars so far with thousands of users.
A lot of critics overlook the game and did not think the inclusion of augmented reality would create a fun experience but figures show us that Pokémon. Go is currently one of the most highly acclaime mobile games – the user experience is worth it.
A simple gameplay experience where the user has to navigate around, open their camera, and collect Pokémons as they move along with the help of augmented reality. With an average of 4.4 rating on both App Store and Google Play Store, the game is leading the charts. It
Final Thoughts
Lastly, you should know that each app we mentioned is quite different from the other but in the end – they all rely on the same technology to see further upscale their product and be on top of the game, in the spotlight. Moving forward, we see augmented reality to be a much more integral part of every app we use. It is already on social media and as times evolve, it will soon be a normal practice.
Other than the five apps we mentioned, there are hundreds of other digital products worth checking out and learning how they utilized augmented reality to the max – adapt and improvise. Here’s a quick list:
● TikTok
● Knightfall AR
● Google Translate
● World Brush
● Inkhunter
And much more. There is only so much we can mention, the rest is up to you – move ahead with research and development (R&D) and see how the global market for AR technology is evolving.