Enhanced Existence

Augmented reality (AR) is getting increasingly real. Thanks to the ubiquity of social media and smartphones, more consumers have access to AR than ever before—though they may not realize it. At the same time, it's also gaining ground as an essential workplace tool for tasks as varied as training pilots and aiding surgeons. In October, Instagram rolled out additional advanced advertising options allowing retailers to offer consumers an AR-enabled “try on” option.

The rise of 5G is one factor fueling the fire for AR development projects. The speed and connectivity made possible by this next generation of mobile networks will allow robust AR applications to run smoother and faster.

Market Snapshot

1 billion

Expected number of AR users by 2020

US$85 billion

Estimated AR market by 2025

AR VS. VR

Analysts argue that AR's ability to overlay useful information on real-world scenarios gives it an edge over its tech cousin, virtual reality (VR), which favors a virtual world.

70% of technology leaders anticipate that the AR market will soon surpass the VR market in revenue.

49% anticipate this will happen within 3-5 years.

68.7 million

The number of U.S. residents who used AR at least monthly in 2019, compared to 42.9 million who used VR

BIGGEST MARKETS FOR AR AND VR

1. North America

2. Europe

3. Asia Pacific

UP-AND-COMING INDUSTRIES

Tech leaders expect these industries to see the greatest investment growth in AR and VR in the near future.

54% Gaming

43% Healthcare and medical devices

36% Education

28% Military and defense

20% Manufacturing and automotive

HOT SPOT: RETAIL

48% of consumers say they'd be more likely to shop at a retailer that utilizes AR.

32% of retailers are expected to use AR by 2021.

Ikea's Place app

PHOTO COURTESY OF IKEA

Sponsor Perspective

Executives weigh in on how augmented reality (AR) might give their industries a big boost.

“Southeast Asia boasts a very tech-savvy millennial audience and increasingly affluent consumers who aspire to all things luxury. With the right mix of AR technology and consumer demand, the possibilities are endless.”

—Bob Chua, BlinQ, to Forbes

“It will help everyone benefit from the power of the digital economy. It allows us to redefine computer literacy—we can adapt the computer to the way we think and want to work.”

—Tipatat Chennavasin, Venture Reality Fund, to Perkins Coie

“This is definitely not a game anymore. These tools present a historic opportunity to transform medicine and patient care.”

—Amitabh Varshney, PhD, University of Maryland's Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, to NBC

More Than Meets the Eye