Is AR Worth It for E-commerce and Marketing?

Have you ever tried on a pair of glasses without actually wearing them? Or maybe you've seen a dinosaur in your backyard through your phone? This might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it's real, thanks to Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies are not just cool gadgets from the future; they are here now, changing the way we shop, learn, and have fun.

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What is AR (Augmented Reality) and How Does It Work?

Imagine mixing the real world with a pinch of digital magic. That's AR! It adds computer-generated images, sounds, or information to the world we see. You may have come across augmented reality features in popular games like Pokémon GO or in social media filters that transform you into a cute dog or let you try on clothes of accessories.

Augmented Reality (AR) is like a high-tech blend of the real world and computer graphics. It uses devices like smartphones, special glasses, and headsets, which are packed with cameras, sensors, and tiny powerful computers. These cameras and sensors (things like accelerometers, GPS, and gyroscopes) help figure out where you are and what's around you. Some AR gadgets can even project images onto things or make it look like digital images are right in front of you, using tiny projectors or mirrors. The software in these devices, kind of like their brain, works hard to make sense of all this information. It mixes what the cameras see with cool digital effects or information, making it look as if the digital and real worlds are mixed together. Plus, these devices often connect to the internet to grab more data and use big computers from far away to help with really tricky stuff. This combo of smart hardware, software, and internet connection lets AR create a world where the real and the digital play together, making all sorts of fun and useful experiences possible.

But Augmented Reality isn't just about fun and games. It's a powerful tool in business, especially in e-commerce and marketing.

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AR in E-commerce: Try Before You Buy

Shopping online is cool, but what if you could try things out virtually? That is what Warby Parker tried back in 2010 when they launched a try-on system on their web to let their user see how glasses will fit on them. However technology wasn't ready at that time and WP removed these feature soon after. Later on they launched their own app it a highly capable AR algorithm that allowed users to try their preferred glasses in a very realistic fashion.

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AR in e-commerce lets you see how products, like furniture or clothes, look in real life before you buy them. Imagine pointing your phone at your living room and seeing how a new sofa would fit, or even trying a new pair of running shoes, all without leaving your house!

Here's an example of what's amazon offering with its program virtual-try on

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AR for Marketing: A New Way to Advertise

Companies are using AR to create awesome ads that you can interact with. Instead of just watching a billboard, you can scan it with your phone and see a 3D model of a product, maybe even play with it. It's like ads coming to life, making you remember and like the product more.

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The Role of AI in AR

So, where does AI fit into this? AI is like the brain that makes AR smart. It helps AR understand what it sees, like recognizing a face or a room, and then adds digital stuff in a way that makes sense. AI helps AR learn from your likes and dislikes, making the whole experience feel more personal and real.

AR and AI work together like peanut butter and jelly. AR creates a cool experience, and AI makes it smarter. For example, in an online store, AI can suggest products based on what you like, and AR lets you try them out virtually. It's a perfect match!

AR and AI are innovating several fields and industries. Let's take a look at some amazing ways in which people are using them.

• Interactive Learning: Augmented Reality apps can turn a boring history book into a 3D journey through ancient Rome.
• Smart Advertising: AR ads can change based on who’s watching, thanks to AI understanding different viewers.
• Fun Games: Games like Pokémon GO mix the real world with digital creatures that you can catch.
• Virtual Try-Ons: Online stores let you try on clothes or glasses virtually to see how they look on you.

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The Future of AR and AI

The future of these technologies is super exciting. We might see AR glasses that give us information about things around us or AR in cars that show directions right on the road. AI will keep making AR smarter, so it'll know just what you want to see and when.

Nowadays AR is merging with Mix Reality to offer an extended experience, where user can wear googles removing the limitation watch through your mobile screen.

Check some of the best AR googles in the market for 2024.

Even though AR and AI are awesome, there are some challenges and considerations to think about. Like, how do we keep private stuff private? And we need to make sure everyone can use these technologies, not just people with fancy phones. Consider what happened with Google glass project back in the days, where people were afraid of privacy

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Our Thoughts at Studio1642

At Studio1642 we combine creativity with technology, and we believe that augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are the future of e-commerce and marketing. We see a world where shopping is more fun and interactive, and ads are not just something you watch but something you experience. Check this Helmet Configurator we build and delight yourself with an immersive experience.

We think AR and AI can help businesses show off their products in a way that's never been possible before. It's not just about selling stuff; it's about creating experiences that people love and remember.

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Ready to Dive into the World of AR?

Do you want to use AR and AI to take your business to the next level? At Studio1642, we can help you create an amazing shopping experience or an ad that will leave a lasting impression. We're experts in AR, and we're ready to make your ideas come to life. Contact us to get started and enter the future of digital interaction!

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