Augmented reality (AR) is poised to transform the way we interact with the digital world. After years of hype, AR technology has matured to the point that consumer apps are now crossing over into the mainstream. In 2022, we’re seeing some truly practical uses for AR on mobile devices. Here are the top 5 AR apps that are making waves:
1. IKEA Place
The IKEA Place app lets you preview true-to-scale 3D models of IKEA furniture in your own home. Using your smartphone’s camera, you can “place” IKEA products in your space to see if they are the right size, design and fit. This takes the guesswork out of shopping and helps ensure you purchase pieces that work with your existing decor.
Key features:
- Accurately preview thousands of IKEA products
- Adjust the size and placement of items
- Works on both iOS and Android devices
2. Snapchat Filters
Snapchat pioneered AR camera effects and filters. The app offers real-time lenses that overlay your selfies and videos with everything from virtual sunglasses and hats to rainbow vomit and puppy ears. Snapchat now has an AR developer platform with thousands of AR lenses created by third parties.
Key features:
- Fun lenses turn you into a dog, zombie, fairy and more
- Partner lenses integrate brands like Amazon Prime Video into the experience
- Community AR allows anyone to create and share custom lenses
3. Google Translate
Google Translate’s camera mode instantaneously translates text using your phone’s camera. Simple point your phone at signage in a foreign language and it will translate the text to your native language in real-time on your screen. This removes language barriers when travelling abroad.
Key features:
- Translates 88 languages by scanning text
- Instantly converts units of measurement
- Works completely offline after downloading languages
4. Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go uses your phone’s GPS and clock to detect where and when you are in the game and make Pokémon “appear” around you. As you explore the real world, your smartphone camera shows Pokémon superimposed onto the landscape. This massively popular AR game gets people outside exercising and exploring public art/monuments in their community.
Key features:
- Catch Pokémon by exploring your surroundings
- Battle other players at real world gyms
- AR camera mode for capturing Pokémon
- Law enforcement notices decreased crime due to increased outdoor activity
5. Houzz
Interior design app Houzz has an AR toolkit that lets you visualize furniture and decor in your home. Their Visualize 3D tool scales products to size, so you can design your dream room and preview how everything fits together. This takes the guesswork out of shopping and helps ensure purchases work with your space.
Key features:
- Millions of home products from thousands of brands
- View items true-to-scale in your room
- Works on both iOS and Android
- Save and share your designs
The Future is Bright for AR
As these apps demonstrate, AR is moving past novelty uses and into practical everyday utility. From visualizing products to accessing translations on the fly, AR eliminates friction and gives consumers convenient new abilities. And this is only the beginning—as the technology improves, AR applications will become even more sophisticated and seamless. The AR landscape in 2023 is sure to be exciting!
