What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, creating an environment in which digital objects appear to coexist alongside or on top of the physical world. This happens in real-time, allowing the user to see and interact with these digital elements while being in the real world.

To experience AR, people usually use special devices such as smartphones, tablets, AR glasses, or headsets. These devices contain cameras, sensors, and displays that work together to scan the physical environment and position virtual elements in the correct position based on the location and perspective of the user.

Here are some key aspects of Augmented Reality: 1. Real-time Integration: AR integrates digital information in real-time with the real world. As you look through the AR lens, digital objects appear instantly in your field of view and move along with your movements. 2. Interaction and Manipulation: AR allows users to interact with the digital objects. This can range from simple interactions like rotating a virtual object to complex actions like moving, enlarging, or shrinking it. 3. Applications: AR has various applications. In the entertainment sector, for example, AR technologies are used in games, live events, and interactive experiences. In education, educational apps and tools with AR can be used to visually explain complex concepts. 4. Visualization and Simulation: AR enables the visualization of things that might be hard to understand otherwise. It can be used, for instance, in architecture to show virtual models of buildings before they are constructed. 5. Accessibility: AR is accessible through a wide range of devices, from common smartphones to specialized AR headsets. This makes it accessible to a broad audience.

To better understand, here are some examples of AR:

In the video below, student Mohamed Boussihmed is seen with a bear. Google designed this application so that you can see the actual size of an animal in reality. Additionally, it's applied in your reality, in your space. You can try it yourself by simply looking up an animal and clicking on the 'View in 3D' button.

In the figure here on the right, you can see the famous game Pokemon Go. Augmented Reality plays a significant role in this game. You catch Pokemons by throwing a pokeball at the creature, which is located in the same real space as you. It creates the illusion of actually catching a Pokemon!

In the figure at the left, IKEA's application is shown. Thanks to the Augmented Reality elements added to this, you can try out the furniture in your own space. The furniture is visible in the user's reality and can even be moved to check if it fits or not.

Pictures form:

Is Pokémon GO Really Augmented Reality? - Scientific American

IKEA catalog uses augmented reality to give a virtual preview of furniture in a room (newatlas.com)