From a head-mounted AR display in 1968 to 2021’s AR filters/effects, Augmented reality has grown tremendously and yet there is so much to explore. Over the years, we have had successes such as the unveiling of Google Glass devices in 2014, Microsoft’s HoloLens that came out in 2016, and one of the most touted AR apps, IKEA Place. Although AR has done a marvellous job for several industries, it has done more for virtual communications.
It has added life to static images, creating AR filters that add joy to the life of users. And not all of them are just for entertainment.
Will Augmented Reality change the way we view communication?
Although Augmented reality might be familiar to us, not everyone is aware of what it can do. Around 70% of Augmented Reality consumers fall in the age group of 16 to 44. So, at this point, we can’t speak for everyone, but those who are aware of the technology and its effects can already see the changes AR has sought in the way we communicate.
With AR, the possibilities are countless. For example, you don’t need to fly halfway across the world for a meeting. AR could make it possible. Other than touch, the AR meeting will have all the necessary elements of an in-person meeting. The discovery of AR filters and their popularity is what will lead us there.
We have already seen such technologies in science fiction movies, known by different names. One recent example of Augmented reality filters in practice is the American supernatural drama, Evil. A grandmother gives her granddaughters two pairs of AR headsets. These are gaming headsets that take these children on a disturbingly terrifying journey, with demons and creatures (AR filters) jumping in from the corners of their house. So, imagine a few years from now, horror movies will become reality. It won’t be long before you see Pennywise in the sewers or the boogeyman. It is one of the possibilities that might soon come to a head.
AR will reach great heights, but before that, one should also understand how it will reshape our world. Yes, there are tons of benefits for business, but there could be a few drawbacks. If history has taught us anything, it is how we look for the quickest ways to get things done. We look for convenience at every turn, and when we find it, we hold on to it for dear life.
We could become fully dependent on such technologies, unable to tell reality from AR/VR. Researchers have found that in a conversation between two people, the one wearing AR goggles will feel less socially connected than their partner.
Three Augmented Reality 2021 Trends that have changed our outlook towards communication.
1. AR Powered Short Video Content On The Rise
Raise of hands if you have ever open any of the following apps and spends hours watching short videos:
- Instagram Reels
- Facebook Shorts
- Snapchat Spotlight
- Tiktok
- Triller
- Youtube Shorts
These social media platforms are a communication medium to reach out to friends to share daily updates. But they are also the marketing platform that has borne several influencers. People use the AR filter and backgrounds to make their content engaging. Some also use specialized video editing software to stand out.
Businesses have been utilizing such platforms by placing ads, and now they have also created customized AR filters to spread awareness about their brands. Furthermore, established brands have also started making short videos and allowing people to purchase their products from the Instagram shops or people who are redirected to their retail website.
With so many new short videos being churned daily, it takes a lot of thought to come up with content that speaks to the audience. AR filters provide that much-needed edge.
2. AR avatars representing Live Streamers
Everyone is familiar with avatars. These are your representations in a game or a virtual world. Although apps such as Facebook and Bitmoji have allowed us to create our customizable look-alike, they are flat images that can be used as stickers at the most.
AR filters have been a game-changer. They can help you design an online avatar that can be the face of your live streaming channel. It will be your digital version interacting with the audience or participating in a video. You can remain anonymous.
3. Growth of E-Learning Platforms powered by AR
We were all put on notice when the pandemic reared its ugly head. Everything had to be shut down, including schools and institutions. Before this, several schools had already implemented e-learning platforms. But the pandemic increased the demand for such platforms.
We may not have the technology to arrange an AR classroom as of yet, but there are ways to bypass that hurdle. Teachers have found AR resources such as 3D models with the help of AR applications that allow students to view these models and sate their curiosity. A report published in May 2021 estimates the growth of the e-learning Market size to exceed $1 trillion by the year 2027.
AR Effects/Filters have opened a new page for us. From short-form content to AR avatars, it has opened new ways to nurture virtual communication. Apart from these three trends, AR is also utilized in virtual try-on. It is a feature that’s most exploited by the marketing teams to spread awareness about their products.
Augmented reality is breaking the barriers, it isn’t just an entertainment tech that makes games come to life, but it is being used in several industries, from healthcare to education. And this is just the beginning.
Now that we have seen what effects AR has wrought on the world of virtual communication, let’s take a look at How Augmented Reality Will Shape the Future of Ecommerce