Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or augmented reality… The digital world is rapidly becoming part of every aspect of our lives. While some of us are trying to keep up with this rapid change, others are trying to make the most of the benefits of digitalization. Here, augmented reality (AR) is one of the technologies that are used in many areas and have many benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly augmented reality is and answer your questions about the subject.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound or other sensory stimuli. In other words, it is a semi-virtual world in which the reality of real objects is augmented by virtual objects.

Augmented reality can be confused with virtual reality technology. Although they are fundamentally similar technologies, they are actually different concepts. Therefore, it is useful to clarify this issue.

What is the Difference Between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?

Augmented reality uses the virtual world to create an experience using the environment we are in and creates a semi-real world. Virtual reality, on the other hand, aims to completely disconnect users from reality. In other words, using virtual reality, it is possible to suddenly find yourself in a utopian world within a simulation.

In addition to augmented reality and virtual reality, you may have also heard of mixed reality technology. Mixed reality is, in its simplest definition, a mixture of the physical and digital worlds. In other words, it allows you to transfer the virtual world to your own environment and move in that world. For example, it transfers a digital keyboard to your desk and allows you to use it as your computer keyboard. In augmented reality, there is no question of intervening in virtual formations.

What are the areas of use of Augmented Reality?

It is possible to talk about the use of AR technology in a wide range of fields, from marketing to medicine, from the real estate sector to education. Let’s list some of these areas as follows:

• Gaming Industry
• Real estate
• Health field
• Decoration
• Repair, maintenance and maintenance
• Logistics
• Tourism
• Cinema
• Building
• Mapping
• Device installation
• Education field
• Medical Education
• Museums and art spaces
• E-commerce
• Shopping

Augmented reality continues to evolve and become more prevalent across a wide range of applications. Numerous fields use AR in their operations. So how is augmented reality technology used?

How and with what tools is Augmented Reality used ?

AR technology can be provided through technological devices such as smartphones, tablets, portable game consoles, computers or augmented reality glasses. These applications can be in the form of brands, e-commerce sites’ own applications or social media filters. It is useful to give some examples to better understand the use of AR.

Let’s say you’re going to buy a new sofa set for your home and you’re having a hard time estimating how the product will look in your living room. The preview method of AR technology comes to your aid and you can virtually place that sofa wherever you want in your living room. In this way, you can easily decide which model and color will look best in your home and get rid of a big problem.

Alternatively, let’s say you bought a new product for your home. This product could be a coffee machine, washing machine or microwave. It can be very difficult to install, operate and learn how to use a product you’ve never used. However, with the digital user manual provided by AR technology, you can easily learn how to install and use the product. This way, you won’t have to read the user manual for minutes. Of course, this is not the only benefit of augmented reality.

What are the Benefits of Augmented Reality?

Thanks to augmented reality technology, the virtual world merges with real life and provides a completely different experience. We can concretize this subject with a few examples. Let’s list some of the benefits of augmented reality technology as follows:

• The use of AR in the e-commerce sector increases customer satisfaction and brand awareness. Thanks to innovative marketing campaigns prepared with augmented reality applications, sales tend to increase and creative works are being accomplished.
• AR technology makes the education and training processes of medical students more efficient.
• Applying AR to field operations in logistics increases the likelihood of solving problems early on. Employees can identify which parts and tools they need. AR guidance can then be used to guide any necessary repairs and updates.
• Using AR applications in manufacturing helps reduce or eliminate industrial accidents because it can alert workers to unsafe conditions or potential problems.

If you want to benefit from augmented reality, you can browse the websites of the brands you will shop from, log in to your phone’s app store and download AR apps to your phone.

FAQ’s

What is Augmented Reality and how does it work?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real world by overlaying digital images, sounds, and other elements. It works through devices like smartphones and AR glasses to create a semi-virtual experience by merging the physical and digital worlds.

How does Augmented Reality differ from Virtual Reality?

Unlike Virtual Reality, which fully immerses users in a digital environment, Augmented Reality adds digital elements to the real world, creating an enhanced, mixed experience without disconnecting users from reality.

In which industries is Augmented Reality commonly used?

Augmented Reality is used in various fields, including gaming, healthcare, e-commerce, education, real estate, and logistics, where it enhances customer experience, improves training, and optimizes operational efficiency.

What are the main benefits of using Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality improves customer engagement, boosts sales in e-commerce, enhances educational experiences, supports efficient logistics, and reduces safety risks in manufacturing by providing real-time guidance and insights.

How can businesses integrate Augmented Reality into their operations?

Businesses can incorporate AR by using AR-based apps for virtual try-ons, interactive customer support, enhanced product visualizations, and immersive training tools, accessible through smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses.