Due to increasing interest in Augmented Reality, the creative question rises where Augmented Reality can benefit the user?
Theoretically, all is ‘reality’ and all can be augmented with meta-data, but what are the fields that will benefit most?
If one reads the articles and watches the videos on Youtube, one cannot deny the futurisic and science fictional touch that Augmented Reality brings along and fires up creativity and innovativity.

In this article we set out a list of Augmented Reality applications which in some cases are already prototyped, investigated or in use.
This list is probably far from complete, please do complement!

Travel
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that are location based-centric, guiding tourists on their vacation, enriching the experience they undergo.
A system that is already build, called Wikitude is just the beginning, they plan to create a community, whose members can add information to the database.

The opportunities for the travel world are immense, be it for mobile Augmented Reality applications or in Cultural institutions like museums that enrich the Past with Augmented Reality.

Manufacturing
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that instruct the user on a real-time bases what steps need to be undertaken in their process.

Retail
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that enrich the shopping experience and increases the brand in its perceivement. The most known application in this area is Zugara’s Augmented Reality & Motion Capture Shopping App which you can view below.
Another application is the one by Holition which can be used as a marketing tool and as an in-store attention grabber. Another application similar to this is creating an catalogue which shoppers can look through at home with a better perspective on the product.

There are many opportunities in relation to RFID, Near Field Communications (NFC) and retail where identification of products is made possible. Information can be requested based upon customized settings which will personalize the experience and further increase the relevancy.

Publishing
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that interacts with the content and thus engages with the readers in a more intense way.
The other side is also interesting, bring characters and the story of the book to live with Augmented Reality additions.

Marketing & Advertising
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that enable interactive marketing and advertising campaigns. Markers in magazines that unlock the magical – AR part of the ad.

Medical
Augmented Reality applications can and will be wide in the medical/surgical world,  tools that aid and support doctors during surgery. Other applications are focused on simulation of the interventions and practicing.

Entertainment, Games & Toys
These three areas have much interest and attention by Augmented Reality.
Just have a look at some of the examples:

Education
The usage of Augmented Reality within education will be significant the coming years, for instance Biology, Arts, History, Physics and so on.

Maintenance and Repair
These fields will certainly benefit from Augmented Reality applications, having information on mechanics, engeneering and other technicalities will help the person to do its job better and more efficient.

Military
Augmented Reality applications can suffice the military in several ways, as can be viewed in the video, it can help with intervention planning. Another area within the military is enhancing the training of the soldiers. Emphasize the enemy and advance the process.

Nagivation
Having the compass incorporated, navigational applications are obvious ones that are being explored and developed.
Examples are:

* TNT - points the user to the nearest TNT shop.

* ING Wegwijzer – points the user to the nearest ATM machine of ING.
(Dutch)

* Portable car navigation

Product launches
Enhance the product launches by being able to show different models, different colors and different types in real size if necessary.
Depending on the kind of product, it can be shown in its usage and environment which will create a better understanding amongst the public.

Presentations
Depending on the company, it can present itself in an innovative real-time way.
During tradeshows you can entertain your visitors longer, offer them an experience they won’t forget. Give them the possibilities to experience it at home again.
Think of (mobile) Augmented Reality applications that lets you tag the world around you. Just like Wikitude, but more general or maybe just more niched, depending on the application and focus.

Tagging & Information

Interior Design
Augmented Reality applications that visualize the room and can have a more complete view of it, test with all kinds of furniture and have direct feedback, be it in a store or at home, think IKEA for example.

Architecture
Augmented Reality applications that visualize the building and can have a more complete view of it.
New projects that are yet to be build, can give prospects insight on their possible home.

Real Estate
The most well-known example is the Funda Augmented Reality app developed with Layar, the first mobile Augmented Reality browser.

What other fields can be potentially suited for Augmented Reality applications?
Are there any applications within the abovementioned fields that we must know of?

Busking for Innovation - Tip Jar!

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5. Google’s Augmented Reality Search for the Android