What is AR Cloud?
AR Cloud refers to a persistent digital representation of an environment that is based on the spatial properties of the real world. Also known as a “digital twin” of the physical world, AR Cloud allows users to share AR experiences with each other in real time.
This virtual environment can be thought of as a “shared screen” that enables AR experiences. But in order to seamlessly understand the whole concept, one needs to first understand what AR or Augmented Reality really is and how it has been contributing in shaping the world into the tech-driven space that it has become today.
Augmented Reality is a form of technology that combines the digital and physical realms by incorporating computer-generated elements, including images, videos, and 3D models, into the real (physical) world.
Unlike Virtual Reality, which creates an entirely immersive digital environment, Augmented Reality enhances the user’s perception of reality by augmenting their perception of the physical environment through the addition of computer-generated elements.
For instance, a user may point their smartphone at a historical landmark and be presented with historical information or animations that are overlaid on the screen.
Typically, AR is experienced through devices such as smartphones, tablets, augmented glasses, or headsets that utilize cameras or sensors to capture the real world and to display augmented content.
Augmented Reality (AR) has made a massive impact on a variety of industries by improving user experiences and expanding capabilities.
It has significantly contributed to education by enabling interactive learning, healthcare by improving diagnostics and treatments, design and architecture visualization, gaming and entertainment by creating immersive experiences; augmented reality has fundamentally altered the way we interact with our immediate environment as well as, largely, the world.
Workings of the AR Cloud
This technology is like an abstraction layer for physical places, things, and people, where people can customize digital content and experiences to fit your needs. The smooth and consistent delivery of relevant information overlaid on top of this abstraction layer helps one make smart decisions when it comes to shopping, navigation, and more.
It is more than simply a “technology”. It is centered around user empowerment and smooth experiences utilizing novel technologies, business models and services.
The initial generation of AR technologies were largely designed for the consumer entertainment and gaming market. Early instances of AR include Snapchat and Instagram's live photo filters, and augmented reality games like Pokemon GO.
AR games use the same idea as cloud-based AR, which is to add an extra layer of abstraction over real-world images. Today, however, the AR Cloud is the result of a fusion of the already existing advanced technologies and practices:
High-Speed Connectivity: Fast connections like 5G are vital. They ensure data reaches the smart edge of networks, where most processing occurs.
Digital-Centric Business Models: Businesses, particularly in retail, must integrate augmented reality into their services. Creating a seamless digital customer experience, bridging the digital and physical worlds, is paramount.
AI in Computer Vision: Handling data-rich AR overlays demands sophisticated and efficient computer vision models. This paves the way for exciting technology trends like Advanced Computer Vision and Digital Twins.
Packaged Business Capabilities (PBC): PBC encompasses well-defined software components that deliver specific business functions. These components include data structures, APIs, event channels, and services, all designed to enable business functionality without relying on external dependencies.
Uses of AR Cloud
AR cloud technology has a wide range of potential applications, ranging from entertainment and advertising to navigation and public safety. Here are just a few examples out of the limitless applications and uses:
Enhanced Retail Experience: AR programs can be used to provide real-time product information in retail stores, such as pricing, customer feedback, and measurements. IKEA, for example, is already coming up with AR tools to enhance the retail experience.
Improved Navigation and Public Safety: Not only can AR cloud tools be used to help tourists navigate unfamiliar cities, but they can also be used to help rescue workers, members of the military, and law enforcement, as well as first responders, by overlaying important directional and location data.
Enhanced On-the-Job Training: ARCloud provides digital overlays that can be used to guide people through new processes or alert them to potential errors, improving the learning process in many industries.
Security and Privacy: The emergence of augmented reality (AR) cloud platforms is likely to introduce increased security and privacy requirements for developers, resulting in improved account security and privacy. Furthermore, the integration of the IoT can improve remote monitoring and security measures.
Safety Information: In addition to marketing, AR cloud platforms can be used by companies and regulators to disseminate safety-related information, such as consumer safety and product recalls, as well as any potential dangers associated with particular products or locations.
Educational Augmentation: It can also be used to enhance the educational experience, allowing teachers and schools to create more engaging assignments and curricula that are accessible and engaging to students. Digital content can be added to textbooks and lessons, and notes and custom elements can be stored in cloud storage for future reference.
In essence, these AR applications have the capability to improve various aspects of our lives, from enhancing shopping experiences to improving public safety, education, and job training, all while maintaining a focus on security and privacy. Since AR Cloud is super useful, it definitely has its benefits; let us look at some of them!
Benefits of AR Cloud
Time Efficiency: The AR cloud offers time savings by eliminating the need for manual information searches through separate apps or web browsers.
Enhanced Privacy and Security: This can incorporate robust privacy controls and heightened security measures, surpassing the capabilities of standalone apps.
Innovative Customer Engagement: By using the AR cloud technology, businesses and organizations can connect with customers in unique ways and get valuable data to improve their overall customer experiences.
Effortless Navigation: With precise geolocation and information overlays, navigation can become significantly more user-friendly, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings.
Democratizing AR: Importantly, the AR cloud democratizes augmented reality by eliminating the necessity for specialized expertise and substantial funding to create AR applications. This accessibility increases the potential for more people to contribute to and benefit from augmented reality technologies.
AR Cloud solutions are surely brimming with benefits and it won’t be wrong to say that it is the next level of the wondrous concept of Augmented Reality. It is set to be at the forefront of future product development in the AR spectrum.
In fact, companies are already seeing the values, benefits and ROI that the AR technology can potentially provide and are therefore providing their users with remote, interactive, and realistic training experiences that combine 3D and in-person content.
To sum up, the AR cloud is the next generation of AR, powered by secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure. It will soon become the most popular global web search standard, similar to Google, Bing, and Yahoo, etc. And as new applications emerge, there will be plenty of new business opportunities.