A breakout hit for augmented reality through Pokémon Go

July 13, 2016 Social media

With the release of Pokémon Go last week, everyone just received free access to the world of augmented reality, with our rapidly expanding technological advancements, Augmented Reality (AR) is starting to take off.

What is Augmented Reality
AR is combining technologically produced visuals with the physical world around us in real time. Now available on smartphones, this experience is readily available for almost everyone. How this functionality can be applied to businesses is endless. Furniture businesses can develop an app for people to visualise how pieces of furniture will fit in their homes and spaces, and mobile gaming can be much more engaging through taking place in their surroundings (such as Pokemon Go).
What’s the Difference Between AR and Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is an entirely artificial and computer-generated simulation. Through recreating an environment or situation, users can be immersed in an entirely new environment. This is achieved typically through a headset that can stimulate both visuals and sounds. For example, it could place you on the moon and you can interact with virtual elements. In short, VR creates a completely artificial environment, whereas AR integrates digital information with a user’s environment in real time.

Pokémon Go
After more than 20 years since the first Pokémon episodes and games were released, the minds behind the franchise have reached out to their now older and matured audience through Pokémon Go. On Wednesday 6 July, 2016, Nintendo and Niantic Inc. joined forces and released the much-awaited app. Pokémon Go allows users to explore their surrounds, catch pocket monsters, and battle at gyms located at specific landmarks. This encourages people to get up and walk around in a fun simulation, promoting physical exercise which is then rewarded within the app.

Overall the success of Pokémon Go will be of great importance for the future of AR and we are excited. Share with us your thoughts and feel free to comment below.