Augmented reality (or AR) expands on the real world by inserting virtual objects and information into the real world. Virtual elements include images, text, and animations. In the case of augmented reality, perception still centers around the real environment. Users are only able to interact with virtual objects to a limited extent – if at all.
Augmented reality is so far the most commonly used form of extended reality. One main reason for the success of this technology is the low technical requirement. Augmented reality can be used with just a smartphone, tablet, or PC, making it easily accessible to end users. What’s more, special AR glasses are also available that project virtual objects in front of the wearer’s eyes. Here, the external world remains visible.
A particularly well-known and successful example of augmented reality is the game Pokémon Go – available as an app for iOS and Apple. It is among the most successful games for mobile end devices and, having generated more than a billion dollars of profit, it is also the most successful AR game to date. With Pokémon Go, the mobile device displays digital characters (Pokémons) in the real world and thereby builds on reality. Extended reality has also arrived on social media channels: Filters allow users to add virtual objects like hats, sunglasses, or make-up to their photos and videos, for example.