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The 10 Biggest AR & VR Trends to Watch in 2022
by Michael Dehoyos
Augmented reality and virtual reality continue to advance at a rapid pace. Exponential growth in AR and VR is largely due to few notable trends that have captured the interests of businesses and users alike. Here are the top 10 AR and VR trends to look out for in 2022.
Virtual Reality Fitting Rooms
The pandemic forced many businesses and consumers to appreciate the value of virtual shopping in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, an increasing number of companies are expected to take advantage of VR to help shoppers try their products. Some retail stores have already adapted virtual fitting room technology that allows shoppers to virtually try on a piece of clothing or accessory before purchasing it online. The virtual fitting room market is forecasted to grow from $3.5 billion to $12.97 billion in 2028.
Augmented Reality Filters
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are no stranger to AR filters, but many retailers are beginning to implement this technology to increase sales. For example, companies such as Sephora are using augmented reality filters to showcase their makeup products. More makeup, skincare, and accessory retailers will likely follow suit in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence Meets AR/VR
Artificial intelligence technologies such as machine learning merged with augmented reality and virtual reality sounds like a futuristic dream come true. That dream is now reality. Several AR/VR companies are eagerly incorporating AI into their tech to enhance various applications, boost marketing, and improve sales.
Virtual Reality Real Estate
As virtual property tours become more common, virtual reality will likely continue to transform the real estate industry. VR and 360-degree videos allow real estate agents to showcase properties to more interested buyers and renters than ever before. VR home tours also enable real estate agents to stage properties with more expensive and visually appealing furniture without the hassle of actually buying, renting, or moving furniture.
Augmented Reality Navigation
The applications of AR for navigation are endless. Recent developments by Apple and Google in augmented reality technologies resulted in frameworks such as ARKit(iOS) and ARCore(Android). These enable users to navigate indoor public spaces more easily using their mobile device. The environments and applications of AR navigation will inevitably expand in 2022.
Augmented Reality Healthcare
Despite being a relatively new technology in healthcare, AR’s applications in this industry will grow tremendously in upcoming years. Several medical facilities are already using augmented reality to assist with education and surgical visualization.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Classrooms
With the recent surge in online learning, the applications of augmented and virtual reality are predicted to increase in the education sector. Although this technology is still new in education, AR and VR has the potential to drastically enhance learning for students. Many instructors and learning institutions are applying these technologies to engage students in more immersive learning experiences.
Augmented Reality Instruction Manuals
Although the application of VR to instruction manuals is still in its infancy, its potential is promising. Interactive user manuals can significantly improve the customer experience. By demonstrating how to install or set up a product, AR reduces confusion while improving the customer’s understanding of the product’s functions.
Augmented Reality Troubleshooting
In the same way that AR can help a customer install a new product, it could also allow them to troubleshoot it with relative ease. Augmented reality makes difficult troubleshooting processes easier to understand through interactive step-by-step guides. It also eliminates the need to contact technical support, freeing up those resources for other issues.
Augmented Reality Home Design
More furniture and appliance companies will likely adapt augmented reality technology. AR has the ability to show consumers exactly what certain furniture pieces and appliances would look like in their home. AR can be extremely valuable to consumers who are hesitant about an expensive purchase or uncertain about the measurements of a furniture or appliance. Companies such as IKEA and Home Depot have already experienced boosts in conversion since adding augmented reality features to their mobile apps.
Conclusion
The applications of augmented and virtual reality will undoubtedly expand in upcoming years. These transformative technologies are already improving processes and offering solutions in several industries. While AR and VR technologies are still in their early stages, it’s wise for businesses to invest in this quickly growing market as soon as possible.
Michael Dehoyos is a tech writer and digital editor at Assignment Writing Services. He assists companies with publishing digital content, and contributes articles on the latest tech innovations to numerous sites and publications..
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