Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have a lot of potential in several sectors.
The growth and development of these technologies are also improving their accessibility for a larger user group.

Many businesses and industry leaders have relied on an experienced AR VR app development company to deliver their visions of blended reality to users. Their adoption of these revolutionary technologies has been accelerated thanks to the widespread use of smartphones.

It is one of the biggest reasons why these are being used in various verticals. This is, in turn, bringing new levels of growth to organizations that have already invested in this tech.

Types of Augmented and Virtual Reality Apps

Several categories are also available for augmented and virtual reality developers to create apps based on this technology. Let us look at both their variants respectively:

Projection Augmented Reality

A basic yet interactive form of augmented reality, it is where light is projected on a surface. The person involved interacts with the images by touching them with one or both their hands. It is also called projection-based AR, and the more its techniques are used, the more prominent the deception they can create regarding the targeted object’s position, orientation, and depth.

Projection Augmented RealitySuperimposition-Based AR

In this case, AR superimposes a replacement view for the selected objects. It is achieved by placing an augmented view that partially or completely covers the existing object. This form of AR helps reimagine particular objects or entire scenarios. However, object recognition is essential for superimposition-based augmented reality.

Marker-Based AR

In marker-based AR, also known as Image Recognition or Recognition based AR, the device camera scans a marker to trigger an augmented object, text, or animation on the device. The AR app is designed to provide details about an object after focusing on and recognizing it.

Users can view scanned objects from different angles in more detail by rotating the 3D image on their screen.

Marker-less AR

Marker-less AR apps allow users to overlay images onto a screen without requiring markers. This AR system is currently the most widespread one due to its image recognition capabilities. It detects a scene's characteristic objects and blends them seamlessly with photorealistic virtual objects.

VR Headsets

These are head-mounted devices that place a visual screen in front of the eyes. They may include motion-tracking sensors and immersive sound.

VR headsets are of three kinds: PC-based, standalone, and mobile.

PC headsets are the highest-priced ones due to their unmatched experiences. These devices have dedicated elements, such as an external camera tracker and built-in motion sensors, to provide greater realism through high-quality sound, image, and head tracking.
Mobile VR headsets turn the smartphone into a VR device with the help of lenses that help create stereoscopic images. These are wireless because the smartphone does the processing, although it isn't as high-quality as a PC-based or gaming console headset.
Standalone VR headsets are also called all-in-one because they are integrated pieces of hardware. They are mostly wireless and are designed to transfer data to nearby computers or consoles. Some of them may involve wired packs that fit in a pocket.

AR/VR App Types Based on Industry

These groundbreaking technologies gained prominence with their application in the gaming and entertainment industries. However, they have since been implemented in health, education, eCommerce, marketing, and even the government sector. Here are some popular apps:

1. IKEA Place

Industry - Home Decor

Key Features - Drag and drop in AR to test products before purchase, change product colors

Platform - iOS, Android

2. AccuVein

Industry - Health and Medicine

Key Features - Real-time image of veins, adjustable light intensity

3. Adobe Aero

Industry - Education

Key Features - Objects spawn in front of students for live look

Platform - iOS, Mac, Windows

4. BeatSaber

Industry - Gaming and Entertainment

Key Features - Motion sensors track hand movements and match them with beats, surrealistic neon environments

Platform - Windows Steam, PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest

5. VirtaMed

Industry - Medical education and training

Key Features - Simulations and trainings for medical procedures, medical assessments during training

Platform - Windows, Oculus, HoloLens

6. Ascape

Industry - Travel and tourism

Key Features - Virtual destination tours, adventure experience simulations, cultural event recreations

Platform - iOS, Android

7. Spatial

Industry - Content creation

Key Features - Access to web browser, screen share, broadcast/recording

Platform - Windows Steam and Mixed Reality, Viveport, Mac (non-vr), Oculus Rift.

Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

Here are some app suggestions and examples based on different fields where AR is being applied:

1. AR for Retail and E-Commerce

AR in this field can help with realistic visualization as long as accurate product dimensions are maintained. This technology will prove more useful if the user interface is streamlined for easy navigation.

Types of Apps:

Virtual Try-On Apps: Allow consumers to wear accessories or clothes in a virtual ‘fitting room’.
Furniture Visualization Apps: Users can see how furniture fits within their space.
Interactive Catalogs: Virtual interaction with product listings.

Example: IKEA Place, IKEA's AR app lets users preview furniture in their homes before purchasing. It offers a vast catalog, from sofas and double-decker beds to lamps and kitchen utensils, mirroring their real-life appearance.

2. AR in Healthcare

The use of augmented reality in healthcare can improve accuracy to a great extent through rigorous testing. However, maintaining health data standards and keeping patient data secure is just as important, even if it affects the final mobile app development cost.

Types of Apps:

Surgical Assistance Apps: Overlay digital imagery on surgical areas for precision.
Patient Education Apps: Visual displays of medical procedures or conditions.
Medication Management Apps: Reminders and information about medications.

Example: AccuVein is a device that scans and projects an image on the skin, showing where veins are, helping draw blood.

3. AR in Education

AR is turning learning into a much more interactive and fun experience for students, lifting some of the weight off of educators. AR-based education apps can turn more useful if the AR VR app development company collaborates with educators during app development. Also, consider the adaptability of the content for the various age groups it will be designed and accessible for.

Types of Apps:

Interactive Textbooks: Digital overlays bring textbook content to life.
Virtual Labs: Simulate science experiments.
Historical Site Recreations: Experience historical events or locations virtually.

Example: Adobe Aero helps students learn about objects by having them “spawn” right in front of them for a closer view.

Virtual Reality (VR) Applications

The top examples of VR in different industries include:

1. VR in Gaming

When combined with motion effects, virtual reality-based gaming apps can really put you in the action. That said, it may lead to greater expectations, fulfilling which will improve recurring user engagement. Keeping users engaged and returning for more will be simpler with regular updates to game scenarios and ensuring fluid graphics transitions.

Types of Apps:

Adventure Games: Navigate through alternative universes.
Simulation Games: Emulate real-world activities.
Role-playing Games: Assume character roles in virtual worlds.

Example: Beat Saber is a VR-based game that allows players to use lightsabers to slash oncoming music beats in rhythm.

2. VR for Training and Simulation

Training simulators take an amazing new form with virtual reality incorporated into them. Constantly upgrading simulations based on user feedback while ensuring realistic physics and graphics will help overcome traditional learning challenges.

Types of Apps:

Flight Simulators: Replicate piloting experiences.
Medical Procedure Simulations: Practice surgeries in a risk-free environment.
Military Combat Training Apps: Prepare soldiers for real-world scenarios.

Example: VirtaMed is a VR-based training app with realistic medical simulations, from knee arthroscopy to birth delivery.

3. VR in Travel and Tourism

Using VR in travel and tourism, you can ensure regular content updates to cover more destinations. Collaborating with locals for authentic narrations also becomes easier with virtual reality.

Types of Apps:

Virtual Destination Tours: Explore places virtually.
Adventure Experience Simulations: Engage in activities like skydiving or scuba diving virtually.
Cultural Event Recreations: Experience festivals or ceremonies from around the world.

Example: With Ascape VR, travel destinations come alive with 360° video tours, from the Arctic’s Northern Lights to Caribbean beaches.

4. AR and VR in Social Media Interactions

Sharing the virtual space with other, similar users only makes the experience more thrilling. However, apps that allow this need to make user-friendly interactions and intuitive navigation within shared virtual spaces a priority.

Types of Apps:

Virtual Concert Platforms: Attend concerts in virtual arenas.
Shared Virtual Spaces: Hangout zones for virtual interactions.
AR-enhanced Video Chatting: Enhance regular video chats with AR elements.

Example: vSpatial is a mixed reality app that transforms any room into a 3D workspace. Users can collaborate, share 3D models, and hold meetings.

To Conclude

AR and VR are both groundbreaking technologies with applications in numerous sectors. From marketing and eCommerce to education, healthcare, and medicine, businesses have altered their approach to incorporate AR and VR-based features into their apps.

If you have been looking to do the same, you can achieve it with the help of a reliable AR VR app development company with successful projects under its belt.

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Types of AR VR applications you can develop in 2023