What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Introducing AR: what is it and how does it affect e-commerce?
Marketing • 7 min read
INTRODUCING AR
Augmented reality, or AR, is an advanced and innovative technology that allows seamless integration of virtual elements within a real environment in real time. This technology combines both the virtual and real world to create an engaging and extensive sense of immersion for the user.
Augmented reality can be implemented by overlapping digital information to what we see in real life - in other words, integrating mostly visual and auditory computer-generated information into the real world. For this reason, AR can be experienced through a wide and growing list of devices, including smartphones, tablets, or connected glasses.
HOW DOES AR LOOK LIKE?
Decorative object projected onto night table.
Pokémon GO, mobile app game. Source
AR IN SHOPIFY
Here is our client, Vessel Bags, offering 3D product customization and AR live preview using the Angle3D Configurator Shopify app.
Letting clients customize and preview the product in their own space is just the beginning!
Learn more about integrating AR to Shopify
Try out AR!
We kid you not, AR is just at your fingertips.
Simply go to our demo store on mobile and press the cube icon to immerse yourself.
AUGMENTED VS VIRTUAL REALITY
Simply put, Augmented Reality (AR) is an extension of Virtual Reality (VR).
The most significant difference lies in the observed environment.
VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)
Virtual Reality engages the user into
an immersive experience by completely replacing the physical environment surrounding them with a virtual one.
Virtual Reality (VR) headset technology.
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)
Augmented Reality provides a highly interactive user experience by generating a hybrid environment between the virtual and reality.
Augmented Reality (AR) on smartphone.
AR: THE NEWEST REALITY OF E-COMMERCE
As a result of this emerging trend, AR technology is transforming traditional shopping habits, as explained by Muchaneta Kapfunde, founder of FashNerd.
“This [Retail] is a sector where AR is revolutionizing the way we shop by bridging the gap between digital and physical worlds. A radical store re-invention will offer retailers new ways to increase convenience and personalization, and consumers the opportunity to experience re-envisioned shops. ”
According to recent studies by eMarketer, “nearly 2 in 5 augmented reality (AR) users in the U.S. will shop with the technology this year, for a total of 35.0 million retail AR users”.
This number is expected to double and grow in the upcoming years.
Isn’t that enormous!
Furthermore, NielsenIQ registered a percentage of 56% of shoppers reporting that AR boosted their confidence regarding the quality of a product, and 61% expressing a strong preference to shop with merchants that offer AR experiences.
AR IN SHOPIFY
New concepts and solutions easily catch the eye of customers as well as providing them with added value, no matter the industry of business.
AR allows merchants to build innovative, progressive, and more interactive, online shopping experiences for customers. It also guarantees an edge over the market competition.
Check out merchants currently offering Augmented Reality >>
• Increase conversions
by up to 250%
• Decrease
returns by 4%
Live Preview
Let your clients see the product in real time
Innovative and Instant Technology
Instantly display products with AR
Mobility
AR directly on your customers’ mobile devices
Accessibility
Offer immediate access anytime
ARE YOU ON SHOPIFY?
Angle3D Configurator is a Shopify app that provides merchants with 3D product
customization and AR experience. Start the 14-day free trial today!
