AR Innovation Stars of 2022
2021 was a big milestone for advanced technologies, especially for augmented reality. One of the most important reasons for this is perhaps the introduction of concepts like the metaverse. Every day we talk more about it and witness further developments. And of course, just like with every other trend, it was just a matter of time for tech giants to jump on these latest innovations.
The fact that online activities have become the center of our lives, especially after the pandemic, has enabled technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality to fully bloom. We transferred many areas of our daily lives to digital environments, especially eCommerce.
In fact, everything is still in the development stage, we can consider 2022 as the calm before the storm. But in order to prepare for that storm, tech companies have already started to implement AR solutions into their business models. Big Tech opens our horizons for the future by making innovation on innovation, investment on investment.
Let's take a look at the tech companies that have made an innovative touch on the evolution of technology, especially in the field of AR, in 2022:
Snap
It is possible to talk about Snap's contributions to the AR world in many ways. We also frequently refer to the data in the Consumer AR Global Report shared by Snap in our content. The company, which introduced the AR concept into people's lives with popular Snapchat lenses and face filters, also focuses on smart glasses. Developed over time, Spectacles is still not available for individual purchase but is experienced by a group of creative content producers.
In addition, Snap continues to provide AR support to brands and works with names that want to bring innovation to the eCommerce field. We have even mentioned the names of those innovative companies in our previous blog posts. Prada, which offers a virtual try-on solution for bags through Lens, is one of these names. Allowing color changes with just a simple hand gesture, Snap has partnered with Prada for product imaging. This move by Prada, which we are familiar with from the Metaverse scene, is proof of how AR has been placed in an important place by large and forward-thinking companies.
Niantic
Niantic gave us Pokemon Go, and it was the first AR experience for some people. Pokemon Go, which both encourages movement and brings the visually fascinating world of AR to our real lives, made a huge splash. In fact, when you think about it, it could evolve into a good move-to-earn project today. Niantic now turns its eyes to vast gardens and invites us to gather flowers by creating a virtual world called Pikmin Bloom. The game, which is based on planting the flowers we collect from the heads of the little animated characters named Pikmin, takes new steps in AR experiences.
Niantic team has taken some key steps that enabled them to create their own AR experiences using the company's Lightship development platform through an Augmented Reality Development Kit (ARDK) in 2021. This allows developers to access Niantic's 3D world map and connect digital content with real-world locations. A brand new technology has also been added to Niantic's Lightship AR platform; in order to make users a part of the game, they let players use smartphones to add images or videos to the map.
SightCall
SightCall enters our list from a slightly more functional point. How does it sound to shape remote assistance service calls with AR technology? The SightCall AR solution allows customer service representatives to provide real-time video assistance with digital graphics to remote customers. This situation, which is of vital importance, especially in times of crisis, is based on customers pointing their cameras at problem areas and SightCall producing solutions by taking the power of AR and artificial intelligence.
Last year, the company launched SightCall Digital Flows, a self-service option that gives customers access to AR help sessions designed to help them solve specific problems without the need of a customer service representative. In fact, SightCall's product is being used by some high-profile companies such as L'Oréal, Kraft Heinz, GE Healthcare, and Jaguar Land Rover when connecting with their customers. AR and AI collaboration can turn a business in a completely different direction.
When you get lost on a long road, opening Google Maps can come to your rescue. What if you get lost indoors? Will Google help you again? Apparently, it can.
We assume that those who find the concept of getting lost indoors weird have never been to IKEA. Google Maps' new AR solution helps you navigate maze-like complex interiors like subway stations, airports, and shopping malls. You can access AR landmarks and directions via your phone. Stating that they use the “Live View” feature to understand the user's point of view, the company adds that they provide this by analyzing millions of photos with artificial intelligence.
Trying this feature in several city malls first in March 2021, Google also announced that the technology will also detect the location of objects in shops between complex floors.
Avegant
What feature has caused us to complain about AR glasses or wearable technology products so far? Its weight? Is it the size? Maybe it's the shape. What we were struggling with was actually all of them. Because no technology company has managed to fit screens, sensors, processors, and batteries into a lightweight design that can be used for a long time. Meet Avegant.
The small Menlo Park, California-based component supplier Avegant may have cleared one important hurdle by miniaturizing the light engines that produce digital imagery within the lenses of AR glasses. The AG-50L model, which the company launched in September, meets every need we mentioned. Motors that are no heavier than a pen and as heavy as a paper clip. The company claims to have the world’s smallest LED light engines for augmented reality.
Avegant's next plan is to market its light engines to companies struggling with R&D problems. As the target audience of these companies, we think that we are very happy with this development.
A big innovation starts with a small step
The common feature of all these companies above is that they started innovation with small steps. None of them got where they are in one day, and ultimately, besides their development of technologies like AR, they also contributed greatly to the AR ecosystem itself.
If you want to be the next part of this story and take the first steps of innovation in your business, you can contact our professional team today.
