In simple terms, AR requires users to take elements from their physical environment and supplement them with digital content – providing an immersive experience that blurs the line between real-world and virtual worlds. This type of technology has already been implemented in popular video games such as Pokémon Go, but it also has numerous applications outside of gaming, including education, marketing and medical industries. The surge in popularity for augmented reality can be attributed to improvements in hardware capabilities over recent years. 

The technology now offers more realistic visuals, richer experiences and improved ergonomics – making it easier than ever before for users to get immersed within the environment. Additionally, new advances such as eye-tracking features have enabled AR systems to become even more advanced than their predecessors. While some may be wary of a technology that overlays digital content onto our physical world, its potential is undeniable – as evidenced by its rapidly increasing adoption rate over recent years. 

By leveraging all these advancements offered by modern hardware capabilities, using augmented reality on a global scale will soon become commonplace – just like the cell phone was several years ago.

5 Industries That Are Early Adopters of Augmented Reality Technology

1. Retail: Companies like Ikea and Wayfair have adopted augmented reality technology to help customers preview furniture in their homes before purchasing.

2. Education: Schools and teachers are using AR to create more realistic educational experiences for students, simulating everything from physics experiments to space exploration.

3. Healthcare: Medical professionals are using AR for enhanced visualization during surgery and diagnostics, as well as to provide interactive patient education.

4. Manufacturing: Automotive companies are leveraging AR to improve safety and efficiency on the production line while also streamlining the assembly process.

5. Advertising/Marketing: Brands use AR technology to create immersive user experiences that go beyond simple visuals and engage with the customer in a more personal way.

3 Ways to Use Augmented and Virtual Reality for Marketing, RIGHT NOW

1. Product Visualization: AR/VR technology can be used to show consumers how a product looks or works before they buy it. Brands can use this feature to provide an immersive experience and help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions.

2. Branded Experiences: VR/AR experiences can be used as interactive tools to introduce customers to a brand’s story and products, while allowing them to engage with the content in a more meaningful way.

3. Personalization: Augmented reality can be used to tailor digital content to fit the individual user – providing a much more customized experience that builds stronger relationships between customer and brand.