Augmented reality (AR) is a rapidly growing technology that has captured the attention of many industries, from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and education. AR involves superimposing digital information onto the real world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects and environments in a seamless and immersive way.
Apple
Apple is one of the most well-known companies developing AR technology. The company introduced its first ARKit software development kit (SDK) in 2015, allowing developers to create AR experiences for iOS devices. Since then, Apple has continued to refine its AR technology, including the release of the ARKit 2 SDK in 2018 and the launch of the second-generation Apple Pencil in 2019, which supports AR drawing and annotation.
One of Apple’s most popular AR products is the ARKit-powered game Pokemon Go, which was released in 2016 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The game uses AR to allow players to catch virtual creatures in real-world environments, using their smartphones as a window into the virtual world.
Google is another company that has been actively developing AR technology. The company’s flagship AR platform, Google Lens, was first introduced in 2018 and allows users to use their smartphones to explore the world around them in new ways. For example, Google Lens can recognize objects and provide information about them, such as identifying a plant or animal based on its appearance.
Google also released the Android Jetpack ARCore SDK in 2017, which allows developers to create AR experiences for Android devices. One of the most popular AR apps developed using ARCore is Snapchat’s augmented reality filters, which allow users to add virtual objects and effects to their photos and videos.
Microsoft
Microsoft has also been working on AR technology, with a particular focus on the enterprise market. The company’s HoloLens headset, which was first introduced in 2016, allows users to experience holographic content in real-time. HoloLens is being used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
One example of how HoloLens is being used is in the field of surgery. The device can be used to provide surgeons with real-time visualization of patient anatomy, allowing them to plan and perform procedures more accurately and efficiently.
Samsung
Samsung is another company that has been developing AR technology. The company’s Galaxy S10 smartphone includes an AR-enabled feature called “Live View,” which uses the phone’s camera to overlay digital information onto the real world. For example, Live View can provide users with directions and information about nearby landmarks as they explore a new city.
Samsung has also been working on AR glasses, including its Galaxy Glasses Explorer Edition, which was first introduced in 2017. The glasses allow users to experience AR content in a more immersive way, by providing them with a full-field of view display.
Summary
In conclusion, there are many companies developing AR technology, and the applications for this technology are vast and varied.