What is Augmented Reality or AR? | Definition | Examples

Augmented reality (AR), Virtual reality (VR)! 

These are terms we listen to frequently in the high-tech world. But these concepts are not new. Rather they have been talked about for decades. And in the near future, these technologies will be part of our daily life.

In fact, various applications of AR and VR are already available in the market.

But what these technologies really are?

In this blog post, I will elaborate the concept of augmented reality. 

1. What is augmented reality?
2. Examples of AR
3. Augmented reality vs. virtual reality (AR vs. VR)

So, let's dive right in.

Augmented reality meaning or definition

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows the integration of virtual 3D elements (in real-time) within a real environment. The principle is to combine the virtual and the real and give the illusion of perfect integration to the user.

In easy words, augmented reality is a digital medium that allows you to overlay virtual content into the physical world in a way that makes it seem like the content is physically there. AR essentially allows us to merge the digital and physical worlds.

According to  Fabrice Arsicot, Director of the Digital Division of Publicorp, augmented reality is made up of several elements:

A  device: smartphone, tablet, or computer type equipped with at least a webcam or camera sensor, as well as an application. The goal will be to mix the virtual and real world by superimposing the image captured by the lens and generated content. 

A  marker or trigger: a symbol, an image, or even a logo if the level of contrast is sufficient.

The content generated by the application: 2D, 3D, video, game, etc.

Augmented reality examples

Let's have a look at some examples of augmented reality:

1. Pokémon Go: AR game example

Launched in 2016, Pokémon Go has become a real worldwide success. This is the game that really democratized augmented reality on smartphones. Created by Niantic, Pokémon Go is a game in which players must go out to hunt Pokémons. The game has subsequently been enriched with many features and new legendary Pokémon are regularly added.

2. Snapchat: AR in social network

Very oriented towards young people, Snapchat was one of the very first social networks to add augmented reality features to smartphones. Snapchat allows users to transform their selfies by adding filters or stickers. It is also possible to add masks. 

3. Google Translate: AR app example

The augmented reality functionality of Google Translate is ideal for people who do not speak a foreign language or speak it poorly. Using the camera in your smartphone's camera, Google Translate can instantly translate signs or write into your native language.

4. IKEA Place: Augmented reality example

IKEA Place is an app from furniture giant IKEA. It allows you to view the furniture in the catalog in your environment and thus ensure that the style chosen and the colors are the right ones. It also ensures that the space in your room is sufficient to accommodate the chosen furniture.

5. Glasses: AR example

It is very difficult to find a frame that perfectly matches your face and your style. Indeed, depending on the shape of your face, some shapes of glasses are suitable, and others are not. In order to not make mistakes, Glasses allow you to know the types of frames adapted to your face. The augmented reality application uses the TrueDepht function of the iPhone X and is, therefore, only compatible with this model of smartphone.

Augmented reality vs. Virtual reality (AR vs. VR)

They indeed look similar at first sight, but they nevertheless operate oppositely: on the one hand, virtual reality intends to substitute the real world with a virtual universe, while on the other, augmented reality only enhances the real world of some virtual elements. 

With a virtual reality headset on your head, you find yourself completely cut off from reality, having no awareness of what surrounds you. 

For example, virtual reality is typically what a video game will offer: a universe that only exists digitally. Using a VR headset and a few other tools to capture movement (a controller, typically), you find yourself propelled into the game, having the impression of actually being there.

Augmented reality is just the opposite. You remain well aware of your environment: it is not you who will immerse yourself in a virtual universe, it is virtual elements that will invite themselves into the real world. 

For example, Pokemon Go, a game that consists of making adorable Pokémon creatures appear – through the smartphone screen – in the middle of the living room, an open space, a street, in short, from there where we are. 

Conclusion

AR, which falls in between reality and virtual reality, is a method used to render real-world data and present it intuitively so that virtual elements resemble the present reality to an extent. 

Indeed, following the huge success of the smartphone game Pokémon Go! (the most downloaded application of all time), the notoriety of this technology has drastically increased, giving it the opportunity to make itself known to as many people as possible. 

How will AR technology affect our daily life?

Share your thoughts in the comment section.