Augmented Reality: A Game-Changer in the Digital World
Retail's Evolution: The Role of Augmented Reality in the Shopping Experience
Jump on the bandwagon as Augmented Reality (AR) storms the scene, thanks to the breakthrough success of Pokémon GO. This hot technology lays digital info over the real world in real time, requiring user interaction with the physical environment. Lens technology - mobile devices or special headgear - bridges the gap between reality and virtuality.
We've got the scoop on why AR's on a meteoric rise:
The AR Market's Rapid Ascension:
- Statista predicts the global AR market will rocket to an impressive $90 billion by 2020.
- Revenue from AR will reportedly triple that of Virtual Reality (VR) by 2020.
- Smart augmented reality glasses shipments are expected to reach 5.4 million units by 2020.
AR in Retail: Revolutionizing Shopping Experience
AR has already found its stride across multiple sectors, including healthcare, public safety, gas and oil, education, tourism, and more. Retail, however, showcases some of the most exciting applications:
- 'Supermarket of the Future': Last year, Coop, Italy's top grocery chain, opened an interactive grocery store in Milan that uses AR. About 6,000 products are showcased on interactive tables and shelves, with relevant information like nutritional value and allergy alerts displayed on 'augmented labels' when a customer picks up a product. On large screens, customers can view top-selling products, cooking suggestions, and more.
- AR Alien at Saturn Stores: German tech retailer Saturn is testing an AR alien named Paula in select stores. Projected by Microsoft HoloLens smart glasses, this digital salesperson presents shoppers with information on products like Samsung Galaxy S8, Surface Pro 4, and Dyson Big Ball hoover. Paula guides and educates customers throughout the store, making new technology accessible and engaging.
AR's transformative potential for retail is immense, fostering an immersive, interactive shopping experience combining the best of brick-and-mortar and online storefronts. Join the revolution! 🚀
Enrichment Data:
In the global AR market, values are skyrocketing and projected to exceed $90 billion by 2020. Comparatively, AR revenue will reportedly surpass that of VR threefold by 2020. Smart AR glasses are anticipated to reach around 5.4 million units by 2020. Driving this growth is technological advancement, AI integration, cross-sectoral adoption, and burgeoning consumer demand for engaging digital experiences. In retail, AR applications like virtual try-ons, product visualization, interactive store navigation, enhanced packaging, and personalized recommendations have the power to create unique, personalized, convenient, and enjoyable shopping experiences for consumers1.
- The trend of Augmented Reality (AR) has extended to various aspects of lifestyle, with smartphones and gadgets becoming tools for integrated digital experiences, such as virtual try-ons and product visualization, in shopping.
- As AR market values approach $90 billion by 2020, tech-savvy consumers are likely to incorporate AR-enabled devices like smart glasses into their health and wellness routines, bringing digital information directly into their daily lives.
- In the midst of retail evolution, AR applications have revolutionized shopping by offering personalized, interactive experiences that seamlessly blend the essential qualities of both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce shopping, surpassing conventional shopping methodologies and making technology approachable and appealing.
