The Top 10 AR/VR trends to watch out in 2020-2021
From entertainment usage to business applications, immersive technologies like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have made it into day to day lives. However, considering the current scenario of COVID-19, these technologies have seen a sudden boost in them as businesses turned into work from home or remote work model. Usage of AR and VR technologies allows companies and people to work from home, socialize, and interact with other people as these platforms can create large simulation environments. With 2021 approaching, augmented reality and virtual reality will continue to have an optimum impact on the industries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated these trends as offices and companies are looking for leverage technology to manage through pandemics and other crises to position them for a quick recovery. The majority of companies are trying their best to become one of the topmost augmented reality companies to deliver high-class features. Microsoft, Consagous, RealWorld One, Quytech, Scanta, Chetu, Xtrematic, Groove Jones, etc. are some of the best firms currently developing AR/VR platforms.
Here are the newest trends to look forward to in 2021:
1. Rise of AR Avatars:
Rapid technological improvements like the evolution of a new suite of AI tools, next-generation game engines, and augmented ones are sure to bring a new and drastic change in the era of artificially intelligent AR avatars. An avatar typically refers to any personified AR agent. In Japan, there are already over 4000 AR avatars used for entertainment on YouTube which are generally called virtual YouTubers or VTubers and they look like anime characters.
2. AR Indoor Navigation:
Indoor navigation is much complex to use in comparison with outdoor navigation. Taking outdoor navigation into consideration, people don’t find it much difficult to use because nowadays, smartwatches and smartphones have built-in GPS and maps. Whereas, the indoor navigation system comprises 3 modules namely positioning, mapping, and rendering. Mapping is the only module that is straightforward as it has co-ordinates and maps. This module is easy to upgrade and customize based on the requirements. The next module is the rendering which is managing the AR design directly. It depends on the precision of positioning. It is easy to draw a route in 3D but to match the virtual objects is a real task. With the evolution of ARKit, growth, and precision also increase. As it comes to Positioning, it becomes a little intimidating. This happens because there is no accurate way of determining the exact precise location of indoor users, including the exact floor. The determination of accurate locations is also a challenge.
3. Remote Assistance:
It is a Windows feature that allows the supports team to provide help to the remote user (host). With the help of the remote assistor, the helper can view the Windows session of the host on his computer screen. This means that the user can send an invite via mail or Windows Messenger or as a file for assistance. The assistant receives a message with the file as an attachment. Executing the attachment opens the application for Remote Assistance which later sends a request to the user for permission to connect. After the user grants permission, the user can be assisted.
4. Increased Use of Mobile AR:
Mobile Augmented Reality is associated with the AR in your smartphones that can go wherever you go. AR technology which is also called spatial computing has been around for some decades lately. The most relatable example of this is the ‘Pokémon Go’ game. The augmented filters available on Snapchat and Instagram are also an example of AR on mobile phones. Other than this, several retail companies like IKEA have started using these in order to help their customers visualize their furniture according to their homes before buying it. Google and Apple have launched various other AR tools for android and iOS users.
5. A collaboration of AI with AR and VR:
AR, AI, and VR have already proved their worth and potential in the business areas. Now researchers are trying to collaborate with them for the innovation of a new form of technology. One of the benefits is real-time face-swapping via mobile phones. This can further lead to the better usage of face recognition facilities and the further evolution of the highly interactive workspaces.
6. Gearing up vehicles with the power of AR:
The automobile manufacturers are planning to introduce the augmented reality into the cars. As autonomous vehicles are being more and more popular in the world, people are being more excited and enthusiastic in order to drive these self-driven cars. It has come to the knowledge that these automotive industry leaders are collaborating with these technologies to create voice-assistants, in-car AR, and more to redefine the way people drive and travel.
7. 5G will Expedite AR and VR Evolution:
The widespread deployment of 5G networks has assured to increase the adoption of augmented reality and virtual reality. As 5G will be offering a super-fast data network, it will enhance the virtual experience of the users by increasing the pace of the data transfer to the cloud; it’s processing and the formation of a virtual image. By incorporating 5G technology, the users tend to get better VR with a minimum end-to-end latency time of fewer than 20 milliseconds.
8. Virtual Sports Events:
The way VR and AR are emerging, it is going to change the way we perceive sports and it will help to create more immersing sports events. Since the sports authorities have postponed their events because of COVID-19; the use of these technologies is entering the mainstream as broadcasters, owners, sponsors, etc. Because of this, the teams look for new ways to reach out to their fans and to generate new ways of collecting revenue. For example, as the NBA 2020 game was canceled because of the pandemic, the VR league pass offers the fans a chance to dive into the archives and re-live the previous matches in VR.
9. AR and VR in the education domain:
As artificial and virtual reality have made their way into various fields like gaming, shopping, and entertainment, the main area that experienced recognizable growth is the education sector. The immersive ways of VR technology will help the teachers to engage the students with learning material in new and more elaborative ways. This will benefit the students who are distant learners and they will not miss out on their lectures. Also, augmented reality will help students in polishing their skills and work on their job simultaneously.
10. Use of XR in healthcare as a medical device:
The AR, VR, and XR are enhancing the medical field too by fulfilling various purposes independently. But, this year onwards, it is known that these three sectors will combine to give more efficient results and opportunities. From now onwards, the medical professionals will have higher proficiency and productivity. However, to achieve all this, they will have to establish XR platforms as a medical device. But, there will be a lot more obstacles for them to overcome to achieve this.
Thus, AR and VR can be used in various fields and sectors and are expected to gain a boost in the near future as people will start exploring and utilizing them to a greater extent.
