1. Integration of AI (artificial intelligence) with AR and VR

Artificial intelligence is another technology that’s making serious inroads into our everyday lives. AI, VR and AR have all proved themselves as powerhouses of potential. Companies working with each of these technologies are looking at possibilities of pairing these technologies. There are potential opportunities where advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms can help computers and smart devices to see and understand data in a whole new way. Consequently, this will create more engaging workspaces and make for advanced image recognition capabilities.

2. AR is growing in the retail and shopping sectors

Since the dawn of online shopping and e-commerce, retail outlets have started focusing on providing virtual shopping experiences. This practice is widely adopted by retailers like Kohls, Lacoste, Sephora and Uniqlo. Other brands have installed virtual trial rooms for clients and customers. They can try and sample products before buying them, right from the comfort of their homes. With the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote operations have become a way of life. This makes virtual retail experiences even more popular, but more importantly, necessary. Augmented reality is perfectly placed to meet this need.

3. Growth of AR-based interior navigation

One of the fastest-growing trends is the usage of advanced technology for indoor navigation. AR is potentially the leading tech contender for this application. Like a GPS would guide you to a requested location using cues and directions from the outside, AR-based navigation apps can guide you on where to go while inside a building or structure. These AR applications can show you how you can reach any product, software or location in a simple yet engaging manner. This will provide a better user experience without having to rely on anyone else.

4. AR applications in healthcare

AR and VR can potentially reshape the healthcare industry as they help meet various business objectives. Healthcare is evolving every day to ensure that healthcare professionals and doctors give the best possible care to any patient. Augmented reality is among the newest technologies in this domain. Healthcare professionals use AR today to prep for surgeries and carry out invasive procedures. Surgeons also use AR to create walkthroughs and checklists of parts and organs that have to be worked on.

5. Accelerated AR/ VR growth due to 5G

If we think we know AR today, 5G will significantly alter our understanding in the years to come. The new and increased standard of mobile network speed will increase cloud transfer speeds, processing speed and provide a more reliable connection to create virtual pictures and ensure a superior visual experience. Additionally, 5G will improve the network experience for even situations where only lower bandwidth is possible. This will allow for better AR experiences without too expensive devices and headsets.

6. Incorporating AR and VR in education

VR’s immersive experiences can help teachers to engage students better with improved ways of presenting content in the classroom environment. This will increase the quality of education for distance learners in virtual classrooms. It will also increase the level of collaboration in these classes, which is presently almost non-existent.

7. AR and VR in the automotive industry

Self-driving vehicles are rapidly garnering popularity and anticipation. People are waiting for the day they can own these vehicles, at a price that fits their pocket. The most surprising thing, however, remains the integration of AR in self-driving vehicles. Automotive enterprises and businesses are looking at leveraging technology like in-car AR and voice assistants to improve the way people commute in the future.

8. Remote assistance through AR and VR

Remote cooperation and help can become much simpler and seamless with advancements in AR and VR. It can allow technicians to observe issues at the site in real-time without being present there. They can simply use their phones and laptops to examine the situation and transfer data to remote customers which can remain locked on their screen.

9. The rise of WebAR

So far, AR experiences have been limited to smartphones and some industrial applications. To experience the new reality, users have to install specific apps on their phones. Meanwhile, WebAR has augmented reality in itself. It will simplify how people engage with AR on the internet. It will help people experience AR on daily browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and the like, regardless of the device they are using. This will take down several barriers to AR usage and improve the overall user experience.

Virtual reality and augmented reality provide measurable, real-world benefits for brands and businesses. The future of AR and VR is very bright. AR-integrated mobile apps will be the first step towards this future.

Investing in these rapidly rising technologies in 2022 will be a certain way to improve your customer experience and drive business growth. Start by investing in AR-ready apps that will help you improve sales and drive customer loyalty.