The capabilities of augmented reality and virtual reality are now advancing at an incredible pace, with intriguing new integrations and ideas being announced all the time. For future forward businesses, the opportunities that such tech presents are fantastic, particularly when it comes to getting that all-important brand message across.
Many marketing professionals are now making full use of AR and VR, with the tech proving invaluable in spreading the word about companies and keeping consumers informed on different products and services on offer. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how augmented reality and virtual reality are being used by businesses, and what the latest advancements in this futuristic world really mean for tech companies.
Sharing brand messages: what can we do with AR and VR?
One of the key advantages that technology like AR and VR provide is versatility. There seems to be no end to the number of ways in which this tech can be used, and as the technology develops its potential is on the rise.
The sharing of brand messages is a key aspect of communication strategies in all businesses, and this is a prime example of the power of AR and VR. The tech is now beginning to shape marketing campaigns, as increasing numbers of businesses begin to recognise its ability to help share a message.
Using AR, brands can turn flat marketing materials into something interactive, engaging and altogether more interesting. Business cards can be brought to life via AR, which can be used to display key messages and information via a smartphone.
AR and VR technology can be used to provide more information on products as customers explore a store or destination, and it can even be used as a virtual tour guide to enhance engagement and keep customers’ interest. Brands are even using AR to enable customers to try before they buy, an idea which has proven particularly popular with cosmetics and fashion companies.
With AR and VR, events such as product launches, exhibitions, gigs and festivals can be turned into fully interactive, immersive events that transport visitors into an unforgettable new brand world.
The technology can even be introduced into everyday situations, to communicate a brand message that consumers can’t possibly ignore. Just take a look at how Pepsi used AR to transform an unassuming bus stop into an unbelievable experience for Londoners.
The effect of AR and VR on tech companies
In order to succeed in an increasingly challenging and competitive marketplace, tech companies need to stay ahead of the curve.
It’s vital that companies operating in this space are fully aware of the latest developments in AR and VR, and are therefore best placed to benefit from the new opportunities that such technology presents.
Of course, not all tech companies will need to make changes in light of developments in AR and VR, but those that are affected by new ways of using this technology must ensure that they keep an eye on advancements in the field.
Tech companies should be fully informed on the capabilities of AR and VR, and many would benefit hugely from introducing this tech into their own brand communication strategies.
What’s next for AR and VR?
The future looks bright for AR and VR. In the New Year, we can expect to see a huge array of new integrations for this technology, changing the way we use many of our favourite apps and websites.
Look out for emerging trends such as tech combining AR and AI to create stunning visual effects. We’ll likely see applications such as social media platforms relying more on AI and AR to power intelligent filters that get users sharing and engaging.
AR is now increasingly being used to enhance safety, and 2020 will likely see a huge upsurge in the numbers of people using AR to help avoid accidents when driving. It has massive potential to enhance workplace safety too, with applications available for a huge range of different industries.
Some of the biggest tech companies are hard at work on new ways of using AR to improve customer experiences. For example, earlier this year Apple revealed plenty of ways of using AR to enhance productivity, from navigating new places to measuring pieces of furniture.
This technology is still relatively new, so we can expect to see many new developments in how it’s used over the coming months and years. Look out for new ways of using AR to watch immersive TV programmes and cartoons, or AR that gives you a helping hand when navigating a new place. The possibilities are endless.
Looking ahead: What are the experts working on?
AR and VR experts are currently hard at work on enhancements to the technology that could have a huge impact on the ways in which we use it. One of the most impactful developments soon to change the scope of this technology focuses on the issue of gaze recognition.
AR will soon use gaze recognition to recognise exactly what a user is looking at, and introduce captivating visual effects or practical uses based on this immediate recognition. For instance, you might be touring a historic site when a monument catches your attention. Without you even having to turn your head towards the landmark in question, AR could notice what you’re looking at and begin to tell you everything you need to know about it.
From a practical perspective this idea is hugely advantageous, and it could have great potential for marketing purposes too. AR could tell users all about the products that they see as they go about their daily business, and could even provide consumers with the ability to purchase items that they’ve glanced at, without them even having to open a webpage.
Augmented reality and virtual reality provide astounding opportunities for businesses in a wide range of sectors. The implications of this technology are far-reaching, with potential benefits ranging from the ability to share brand messages in a novel way, to the provision of practical assistance that boosts users’ productivity levels.
As the capabilities of AR and VR develop, we can expect to see many more ingenious uses of the technology, so keep an eye out for brand new possibilities based on the latest pioneering ideas and integrations.
What does the future holds for this trailblazing tech?