Exploring New AR and VR technologies and Their Applications Beyond Gaming 

Ask any stranger on the street about Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) and the first thing that comes to their mind is gaming or entertainment.

There is no doubt that gaming is one of the most promising use cases of AR/VR, particularly its commercial aspect, but restricting AR VR solutions to just gaming is a gross misunderstanding.

It was a video game Pokémon Go that garnered worldwide attention for AR; however, applications of AR services beyond gaming have so far failed to grasp the same limelight.

This blog will explore the upcoming advancements in AR/VR and how they can bring change across industries and businesses.

Why Did AR/VR Start with Video Games?

Why were AR VR solutions first applied in the gaming industry?

There are two major reasons for that. Firstly, the gaming industry has always been open to innovation; it is a space where developers could experiment with VR design and AR services could improve their applications. 

This allowed AR/VR hardware and software to improve without the demanding expectations of other industries.

Secondly, AR/VR provides an immersive experience, which is precisely what gamers are looking for.

They were ready to overlook some early technological challenges, such as short battery life and poor pixel results, just for a new experience.

Therefore, video games provided the perfect laboratory for VR & AR services to fine-tune their products.

What New Offerings Do VR & AR Services Have?

AR VR solutions are constantly evolving with new developments happening each year. These innovations are allowing VR & AR services to expand their core offerings, with practical solutions across industries.

Let’s look at the upcoming AR/VR technologies:

1. AR Cloud

An AR cloud is a digital copy of the real world. It is a scalable cloud infrastructure solution that creates a shared spatial map that enables multiple users to experience the same AR content in real time.

AR services can use an AR cloud to develop interactive environments for collaboration, retail, and training.

2. XR Headsets

XR headsets are wearable devices that can deliver anything between real-world and virtual environments.

They blend AR and VR solutions with the real world to provide a mixed reality (XR).

Tech giants such as Apple, Meta, and Microsoft have developed XR headsets that overlay immersive AR/VR experiences with the real world.

3. AI-Powered AR/VR

Any list of upcoming technologies is incomplete without artificial intelligence, and VR & AR services are no exception to this.

The trio of AI, AR, and VR is a combination that can recognize objects, interpret gestures, and adapt content in real time.

Industries like healthcare and retail benefit from AI-enhanced AR VR solutions that provide instant data and recommendations.

4. Haptic Input for AR/VR

Haptic technologies simulate the sense of touch and motion. AR/VR integrate haptic input to create a more immersive experience.

Advanced gloves and suits can simulate touch, while 3D sound enhances the sense of presence. Thereby making virtual interactions feel more natural.

5. 5G-Enabled AR/VR

VR/AR headsets and smart glasses process a significant amount of graphical and user data, which requires a lot of bandwidth and low latency.

The rollout of 5G will fill these requirements, as 5G is designed to fulfill not just user needs but also industry needs.

Applications of AR/VR Beyond Gaming

1. Healthcare

In the medical field, AR VR solutions are improving diagnostics, treatment, and training. Surgeons can use AR overlays for guided procedures, while VR simulations help medical students practice complex surgeries in a risk-free environment.

Additionally, AR applications assist patients with rehabilitation by providing interactive exercises tailored to their recovery needs.

2. Retail and E-Commerce

Brands are using AR services to transform shopping experiences. Virtual try-ons allow customers to see how clothing, accessories, or makeup will look on them before making a purchase.

Home improvement companies use AR to let customers visualize furniture placement in their living spaces.

The less uncertainty customers will have before purchasing, the better the customer experience and loyalty.

3. Education and Training

Educational institutions and businesses are adopting AR/VR for interactive learning experiences.

Virtual field trips bring history and science to life, while VR-based corporate training programs offer hands-on experience in simulated environments.

This approach enhances retention and engagement, making learning more effective.

4. Manufacturing

Factories benefit from AR services by providing real-time guidance to workers. AR-enabled smart glasses can display step-by-step instructions.

In maintenance, AR assists technicians by overlaying diagnostic information on machinery, which makes repairs more precise and reduces errors.

5. Remote Work

The rise of remote work has driven the demand for immersive collaboration tools.

Virtual offices and AR-powered meetings create more engaging work environments for teams to interact in shared virtual spaces.

Conclusion

AR/VR are no longer just limited to gaming. They will impact the future of multiple industries in the coming years.

The applications of AR VR solutions will diversify as these technologies continue to evolve.

If you are a business, consider investing in VR & AR services right now.

The adoption of AR/VR is only growing, and these technologies will play a key role in shaping modern businesses, regardless of which industry.

So, what are you waiting for? Start looking for custom AR/VR app development services that fit your needs.