Better Than Real

Augmented Reality Is Set to Take the Tech World by Storm in the Wake of New Announcements From Apple and Google.

- Nidhi Singal

Helping the younger generation understand the effects of climate change and the importance of water bodies can be challenging, not to mention tedious. But what if a life-like 3D model could show how the smallest of human actions can impact the environment? WWF Free River, an augmented reality (AR) app does just that. When you point the iPad’s camera on a flat surface, the app overlays a realistic 3D model on the screen offering a spectacular landscape view – showing rivers, rain and dams and how they affect habitation, and helps explore more sustainable ways for energy development.

As is sufficiently evident, AR technology, by overlaying digital information on top of the real environment, can render a truly immersive experience across industries. Just pointing the camera on the subject can make things come alive. Take for instance the IKEA Place app that makes shopping for furniture easy. The app helps visualise what furniture would blend well with your home decor. The Human Anatomy app is another example that helps visualise and understand the intricacies of the nervous system in 3D.