A series of data show that AR technology is to change the role of the retail industry and the fashion industry
“Sometimes, we think about it. We don’t even have digital overlays in the physical world,†said Greg Jones, director of Google’s VR/AR division. He believes that augmented reality (AR) is a game-changer, especially when applied to retail. It has the potential to bridge the gap between online and offline shopping experiences, making the physical world more interactive and informative. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, shares a similar view. “Over time, whether on the show floor or at the mall, I think AR will be as important as a brand’s website,†he said. While AR has been around for years, it wasn’t until smartphones began integrating this technology that it became widely accessible to consumers. Companies like Apple and Google have played a key role in bringing AR to the mainstream. Apple introduced ARKit, which allowed developers to create AR experiences on iOS devices. With the release of iOS 11, iPhone and iPad users could explore AR content more easily. Similarly, Google launched ARCore, bringing AR capabilities to Android users. Consumers have already been using AR for a while, whether through Snapchat filters or playing Pokémon Go. But now, more brands are integrating AR into their apps, allowing users to add digital elements to real-world photos or even visualize products in their own homes. According to Digi-Capital, by 2018, over 900 million AR-enabled smartphones were expected to hit the market. Greg Jones predicts that consumer demand for these technologies will only grow in the future. Research from Digital Bridge also showed that 69% of consumers want retailers to offer AR applications soon. “It’s amazing how quickly people have accepted AR,†Jones said. “A year ago, they were playing Pokémon Go. Now, they’re hoping to use AR in stores.†Google’s data shows that 34% of users would use AR for shopping, and 61% would prefer to buy from stores that support AR. This indicates that AR is not just a novelty—it's becoming a key part of the retail experience. Many brands have already jumped on the AR bandwagon. IKEA and Anthropologie were among the first to partner with Apple’s ARKit, enabling customers to see how furniture would look in their homes before purchasing. Platforms like Wayfair and Houzz have also adopted AR technology. Google’s Tango platform previously partnered with brands like Pottery Barn and Gap, and ARCore is now working with various companies to bring AR to more users. While early applications focused on placing virtual objects in real spaces, AR has since expanded into other industries, including beauty. For example, L’Oréal’s AR makeup app has over 20 million downloads. It allows users to try on different looks using their phone cameras. Brands like Sephora and Charlotte Tilbury followed suit, showing how AR can enhance the customer experience. Greg Jones also sees potential for AR in providing product transparency and building trust. He believes AR can help brands connect emotionally with consumers by offering immersive storytelling experiences. Burberry used AR to create an interactive experience where users could add artwork by artist Danny Sangra to their photos and share them on social media. This kind of engagement helps brands stay relevant and creative. Tim Cook once said, “If you watch a fashion show, AR is perfect because as an audience member, you want to see everything—not just the front.†This highlights how AR can transform traditional events into more engaging, interactive experiences. Recently, AR startup HoloMe partnered with British brand RIXO London to bring holographic fashion shows to consumers’ homes. All they needed was a smartphone to experience the show in a new way. Augmented Reality is set to revolutionize the fashion and retail industries. As the technology becomes more advanced and accessible, it will reshape how people shop, interact, and experience brands. In the future, AR will no longer be a luxury—it will become a standard part of daily life. This article is original by VR Net. Please credit VR Net and provide a backlink if you share it. Oil Mud Pump,Mud Pump,Mud Pump Oil Rig,Portable Mud Pump Jinan Guohua Green Power Equipment Co.,Ltd. , https://www.guohuagenerator.com
