Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are probably two of the biggest trends in the entire
tech world today. These technologies not only touched the hearts of smartphone users but
also seized the attention of emerging and established brands.
According to statistics, the market for AR technology is worth $15.3 billion, and it’s worth
exploring the diverse avenues and trends that drive the booming augmented reality market.
Moreover, by the end of 2020, AR active devices were estimated to rise to 598 million units
and are predicted to grow to 1.73 billion by 2024.
For Augmented Reality, technology has seen exceptional growth in 2020 and similarly, we
saw the rise of VR in gaming applications, but what is the future of this technology in 2021?
How will AR and VR impact our day to day life?
Before we jump to that part, let’s take a look at how far AR and VR have traveled until now,
ever since Google VR was launched.
An Outlook of the Current AR/VR Market Scenario
Virtual Reality, which was associated with hardware, in the beginning, has gradually and
firmly entered the software industry. Whereas, when talking about Augmented Reality, the
technology has made everyone engaged in exploring its benefits for business and making a
better future ahead.
As per IDC forecasts, the AR/VR market was using about 60% of the total world spending in
2018. But, it is expected to strike 85% of the total world spending by the end of 2021, with
retail, manufacturing, transportation, and public sectors on the top of the chart.
However, by the year 2025, it is also expected to have a bigger market share with a better
focus on using the technologies for estimating their processes efficiently. Likewise, SMEs are
also expected to increase their involvement in the AR/VR market with a CAGR of 66.40%
during the period 2020-2025.
Now, as you’ve got a glimpse of the current state of the AR and VR market size and a hint of
the future, let’s dive into the trends and technologies that will boost the extension of this
market.
Augmented & Virtual Reality Trends to Look Out For in 2021-2025
1. Remote Assistance via Virtual and Augmented Reality –
AR and VR will set out better opportunities for remote assistance and collaboration
this year. The technologies will allow technicians to view on-site situations in real-
time via their mobile phones or laptop. They will also be able to assess everything and
send the files with proper remarks.
2. Gearing Up Vehicles with the Power of AR –
In 2021, several automotive industry leaders will include the idea of employing these
two top technology trends to redefine the way people travel and move in the form of
voice assistants, in-car AR, and many more.
3. 5G will Speed up AR/VR Evolution –
The impact of 5G on mobile apps will cause an impactful difference in the way we
embrace AR/VR. By offering 5G, it will boost the speed of data transfer to the cloud,
it's processing, and the formation of a virtual image that will later deliver an enhanced
virtual experience to the users.
What’s more, the technology will make it possible to enjoy a better-augmented
experience with affordable headsets and devices too.
4. Advancement in AR/VR Displays –
This year, the display of the AR/VR headsets will be increased to ensure that the large
of high-power content displays on the screen without getting fuzzy or putting a strain
on your eyes.
5. Introduction of AI in AR/VR Space –
This year, developers and business leaders will look forward to discussing the
potential of their collaboration. They will look into getting a sharp idea of how
advanced machine learning algorithms and other AI methodologies can help
computers and other devices in visualizing things and to know them effectively.
6. Rise in the Number of AR Avatars –
Business heads and marketers are expected to include AR avatars into their business
processes not only for attracting users but assisting them in navigation inside/outside
the physical store.
7. Establishment of AR and VR in the Education Domain –
The immersive quality of virtual reality technology will help teachers in engaging
students with learning material in many new and interesting ways. It will improve the
prospects of teaching distance learners in VR classrooms; Whereas, AR will add
flexibility to the on-the-job learning experience and empowering them to polish their
skills and do their job simultaneously.
8. Arrival of WebAR –
As described in the name, this will help users to associate with AR in the webspace. It
will allow them to get exposure to AR on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other
such browsers regardless of which device they work upon.
9. Use of XR in Healthcare –
AR, MR, and VR are revamping the healthcare industry by meeting different goals
independently. This year onwards, healthcare and medical specialists will be able to
‘swipe’ between these three technologies within the same application. This will help
them with higher efficiency, productivity, as well as allow them to enjoy the perks of
different use cases at the same period.
10. The Emergence of AR-based Indoor Navigation –
Just like GPS-built in software and maps direct us towards a shop, hospital, or other
places from outside, the AR-powered navigation systems will help people indoors.
They will guide them on the path towards any specific product, software, or place in a
likable and easy way, providing them an optimal experience without relying on
others.
How to Prepare for the AR/VR Influenced Future?
As we have discussed in this article, AR and VR are predicted to bring a far-reaching
revolution in the business world. In such a scenario, having knowledge of the AR/VR trends
for 2021 and other companies’ viewpoint towards this is not enough.
To prepare for the coming future in a professional and effective manner, it is recommended
that you reach the AR VR app development company about the opportunities of introducing
their raw power into your business.
How AR and VR are Determined to Bring Revolutionary Changes to
the Gaming World?
AR and VR have reached the point of sophistication to really engage its gamer. Let's find out
how AR and VR are going to redefine the gaming industry with their revolutionary actions.
Real-time Interaction –
AR technology is best known to bring together the real and virtual that brings the
creation of dreamlike mid-path for the users. The potential to add digital data and
real-time in one will turn up to be the game-changer for game makers. Real-time
interaction will support the enrichment of gamer’s perception all across the world and
will even encourage the creation of better engaging levels.
Creative Content –
AR and VR not only stand out in the race for their ultimate experience but even for
their clever and appealing content that is well coded by game developers. To best suit
the targeted market, developers offer customized content of a higher standard.
The revival of 3D –
The concept of 3D films is not brand-new for the world. But, it has not found its
interest from the viewers because of its extravagant cost. But, however, 3D has gained
popularity such as in the movie “Avatar” and also in the gaming industry, where 3D
effects provide the player a thrilling experience and act as the backbone of the game.
Innovation in Lifestyle –
The game is not only for entertainment, but the development of AR and VR has also
made its approach into the lifestyle. Industries like medicine, tourism, education, and
entertainment for better experience have transformed toward AR and VR interactions
to increase the step. This is a popular strategy that is gradually getting the customer's
attention.
Captive Experience –
With the changing time, the gaming field has come into demand and with this user’s
demand has grown to captive experience. This experience does not let its users
distinguish between the real and virtual environments which will act as an essential
feature for the success of any game in today’s time.
What’s next for Gaming’s ‘niche’ Category?
For a variety of reasons, VR hasn’t yet lived up to its full potency. There’s no doubt that a
gaming revolution, consisting of a completely immersive virtual gaming experience, has
taken vital paces since VR’s small beginnings. Every year looks crucial for VR’s economic
survival, but despite the initial financial strains, improvements made in ‘reality’ based
technology show no sign of slowing down.
Also Read: Beyond Gaming: The Future of Virtual Reality
Does the Future of AR and VR will End?
The answer may lay in the technology’s future growth. AR and VR will never face
financially with traditional console-based gaming. But the unique idea gives a lot more
potential opportunities than any alternative console counterpart.
As AR and VR technology becomes more easily available and is used in daily life, the more
investment the technology will allure due to its popularity. The feeling that encloses reality
gaming, it’s on the apex of greatness. The technology is there, the world wants only to reach
out and seize it.
Final Thoughts –
AR and VR have brought a revolution in the world and especially in the gaming field. These
technologies help to make a realistic picture along with sound and other sensations to offer an
imaginative environment that excites a gamer’s physical appearance in the situation.
However, in the near future, there are no indications of any reduction forced in the
relationship between AR, VR, and mobile devices. But, rapid growth has benefited
developers to improve the level of interest offered by both AR and VR.
Undoubtedly, users are going to discover a comprehensive virtual world replacing the real
which would be controlled by their body gestures. Thus, it determines that it is a striking
beginning of AR and VR technology. Surely, gamers have a lot more to see with the arrival
of time.
Also Read: What are the Best Tools for Mobile Game Development?
