The concept of augmented reality has been around for some time now, but really became broadly known and understood late in 2017. Unlike virtual reality, which seeks to place us in completely simulated environments, AR actually uses the environments around us and simply places animated elements inside them. It’s something we can now do with our smartphones, thanks largely to Apple and Google having adopted development platforms that make AR apps feasible.
Since these platforms were unveiled last autumn, we’ve seen a steady trickle of AR apps becoming available. Even more interesting, however, has been the constant discussion of what might be next in AR now that the floodgates are open, so to speak. Imagine being able to envision your designed space with the help of augment reality!
Perhaps the most popular subject of discussions like these is the rumored development of AR glasses by Apple. Reports have indicated that Apple is ramping up work on some kind of headset or pair of glasses that will be able to perform all of the AR functions of the iPhone on its own. This would certainly serve to make augmented reality an even bigger phenomenon than it already is, and could potentially provide Apple with its biggest product release in years.
Other subjects include what kinds of games or entertainment might still be forthcoming in AR after the initial wave. For instance, casino gaming (even without real money) has been conspicuously absent to this point. As one Canadian gaming platform put it, this genre of the video game market is fluid and ever-changing, and always looks to take advantage of new tech. Thus, many are waiting to see things like poker, roulette, or even 3D slots playing out in AR.
These are the popular topics. But believe it or not, AR is particularly relevant to those of us who are enthusiastic about home design also. One of the most interesting things that happened when AR first came out last year was that interior design immediately became a focal point. This is thanks largely to IKEA, which was ready with its own brand new app just about the moment AR apps were available. The app basically allows you to browse through furniture and then visualize it in your home by aiming your camera at a given space, such that your screen will show that space with the furniture in it. It’s actually fun just to play around with – though as one review wrote, it could also spare you from returning a couch, because you’ll be able to preview things in a fairly realistic sense before you buy.
IKEA isn’t actually alone in using AR for home design purposes either. There are other apps that perform very similar functions, and still others that are designed to make it easier to measure your space. Now, simply by aiming your phone at different edges, corners, etc., you can accurately measure your home without every touching a ruler or tape measure, which isn’t quite as fun as browsing furniture as if it’s in your home, but can be just as useful.
It’s a good idea for people who are passionate about design to go ahead and familiarize themselves with apps like these now, because we’re still just in the beginning. This category has been met with a somewhat surprising amount of enthusiasm, which almost certainly means there are more apps on the way. So, just as AR is still going to lead to new tech gadgets and games, it’s also going to continue to provide possibilities to home designers. Mobile AR could soon be an indispensible tool for any remodeling, designing, or furnishing effort.