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Cost of Augmented Reality (AR) Applications in Business – Are They Too Expensive?

Updated: Feb 22



Man holding a tablet using Augmented reality app for estimating the cost of AR App
Usage of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) as a technology is a work in progress even though some folks don't really know if it is different from virtual reality (VR). In this article you will understand Augmented reality and augmented reality app costs & development as they vary from project to project, you will know the main factors that affect Augmented reality app cost.


AR basically integrates digital data with a user's environment in real time to produce an almost real world environment. This integration is made possible by overlaying what is known as generated perceptual information over the user's environment. That’s not the case in VR where an entirely artificial environment different from the user is created.


Use of AR in altering natural environments in one form or another is growing steadily. It provides a new perception of a given reality or to enhance existing knowledge about it with added perceptual information. The augmented reality app costs vary from many different factors.


This brings us to an important question - how does AR work and what is the cost of augmented reality development? It works by merging a user's perception of the real world around him/her with digital and three-dimensional (3D) components.


Growing applications of AR across multiple industries


A man using  Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality Development


In the consumer products niche where AR is being used increasingly, you can find innovative products like smartphone games, heads-up displays (HUDs) on car windshields, as well as smart wearing glasses among many others.


Aside from the considerable scope of development in the consumer products industry, AR application has tremendous scope of growth in manufacturing, education, healthcare, fashion and beauty industries.


By integrating animation in a computer program with an AR marker in the immediate environment, some of the most advanced AR applications are developed.


The cost of such integration depends on the scale and intricacy of the application you are looking for but the AR development cost is not going to be something you cannot afford.


Leading AR application areas and what they promise


Education:

This is one of the fastest-growing sectors where the use of AR is already under way. The main advantage students get is a welcome break from the outdated and outmoded rote learning approach that they have to adopt even today. The visual representations of learning modules that AR offers help students understand and remember the information better and improve their learning and knowledge.


Entertainment and gaming:

The scope of AR in entertainment and gaming industries are among the highest mainly because of the extensive use of products with screen-based applications.


Manufacturing processes:

Most manufacturing processes anywhere includes four distinct areas - casting and molding; machining; joining; shearing and forming. The highly advanced imaging technology of AR can go a long way in enhancing the process with 3D modules for any prototype that has to be made.


Architecture and construction:

One of the most evolved areas of AR application is undoubtedly the construction industry and the architectural visualization that drives it. Visualizing optimum utilization of space without compromising on aesthetics is the most challenging aspect of architecture. Use of AR to achieve such results is of great advantage to architects.


Healthcare industry:

A tablet using  Augmented Reality for extracting the information from a skeleton
Augmented Reality in Healthcare

It is common knowledge that advanced imaging technology has completely altered the scope and dimension of the healthcare industry. It has made diagnosis of the most critical health problems not just easier but a lot more comprehensive and precise and that has improved outcomes of treatment significantly. With its highly advanced 3D imaging, AR is already making inroads in this process and making a big difference with ever more precise imaging of the human organs.


Retail industry:

You can offer a much more advanced and evolved buying experience to your customers with AR and help them make more informed purchase decisions. Products like home furnishings, furniture, fixtures, drapery, linen and upholstery are particularly compatible with AR applications.


Navigation services:

Charting routes or displaying location information about specific areas or destinations can be done more effectively with the help of an AR application. Increasing use of drones for mapping locations has opened up tremendous opportunities for AR applications in navigations services.


Fashion and beauty:

People who are fashion-conscious have a great desire to see themselves in multiple settings and guises. They are keen to see if they can carry of the new look or will it become an awkward expression of their appearance. With AR driven imaging options, you can simulate versions of the new look they fancy and help them make an informed choice about a particular look that caught their imagination.


Archeology:

A country's history and heritage would lie buried under the earth or forgotten by generations of neglect if it is not for the efforts of archeologists. Lost cities that are dug up from under the earth's surface take years of study and analysis in which multiple layers of imaging and visualization are developed for effective results. AR can simplify and enhance this arduous task for the archeologists and speed up the process of historical research.


As already explained, the cost of developing an AR application is very much affordable but if you are not careful with your choice, it could result in a cost escalation. Augmented reality app costs depends on the industry and features you wanted to add in your app.


Beginning with the reputation and reliability of the AR application provider to the features it offers as well as the platforms it is compatible with you need to take a close look at what you want.

The reputation and reliability of the app developer is going to be very important for your app and you need to check out the reviews they are getting from users.


What is the Cost of Augmented Reality App development?


An Augmented Reality glass set
An Augmented Reality glass set


The average cost of Augmented reality app development ranges from $6,000 to $200,000, depends on the features you want to add in your app.


The average cost of AR app depends upon the requirement of your AR app, duration of it's development, and features. Also, if you are thinking to work on AR feature-rich mobile app with custom algorithms and API then the cost will increase as per your requirements of app.


To get a better idea of the augmented reality app cost you need to be clued up with the kind of features that are available on the app.


More importantly, you must know the features that you need rather than pay for each and every feature even if they are of no use to you. As mentioned above that augmented reality app costs depends on multiple factors that are mentioned in above points.


Factors that Affect the Cost of AR App Development for Your Business


Timeline

If you are planning to complete the app with quick deadline then you can expect the cost to be high. The tighter the deadline, the more expensive the cost. If there is no rush for your app then you can lengthen the time frame to reduce the budget of your AR app.


Scope of Work

The complex the logic, the more expensive your app be. If your app required high project management and complex work then you can expect the cost to be higher.


Features of AR App

As mentioned earlier, cost of your Augmented reality app highly depends on the required features you need to add in your AR app. The more features you required in your app it will cost the higher amount, Well it also depend on the type of feature you need for your app.


Therefore, choose the app developer carefully after looking up the list of features they are offering.

Depending on your requirement, you could be looking for a cloud-based recognition feature or one that offers multiple functions like camera screen capture or device motion tracking among others.

Of course there are many other functions that the AR app developers offer but you need to make an informed decision on the basis of your need, budget and goals.


The hourly cost of augmented reality development can range from $250 right up to $5750 depending on which part of the world you are sourcing the developer from as well as their reputation and experience.


Your knowledge and understanding of app development cost in general will set the tone of the deal. You can negotiate the cost depending on your need and set the timeline for delivery.


If you are looking for the exact cost of your dream Augmented reality app then you can directly reach to us. We at Bricks and Pixels, understand your requirements clearly and discuss to you regarding the best and most available affordable options. Contact us now to get an estimate cost of AR app.




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