Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing how we see and interact with the world around us. These highly immersive technologies are disrupting and reshaping numerous sectors, from entertainment and gaming to education and healthcare.
With the continuous advancement of AR and VR capabilities, businesses are increasingly turning to custom AR/VR software development solutions. These solutions enable the creation of unique, captivating experiences that are precisely tailored to each business’s specific requirements and objectives.
This article will discuss Custom AR/VR software development, the key trends, and how it is used across different industries.
What is custom AR/VR software development?
Custom AR/VR apps are specialized augmented and virtual reality programs built just for one company’s unique needs. They integrate seamlessly into that business’s specific operations.
Businesses opt for custom AR/VR apps over generic ones to optimize efficiency and return on investment (ROI). They can significantly enhance productivity and operational effectiveness by tailoring the technology to their processes, systems, and industry requirements.
82% of companies believe AR/VR will be crucial workplace tech within three years. The big software companies are leading the way in testing new things and creating AR and VR experiences that feel very real. These experiences mix the digital world with the actual physical world around us.
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Key trends in custom AR/VR software development
In recent years, AR and VR tech has quickly improved and changed how we use digital stuff. Let’s look at some key trends in Custom AR/VR software development.
More realistic graphics and physics
Custom AR/VR software visuals are increasingly becoming lifelike with better graphics cards and processors. Improved lighting, physics, shadows, and reflections boost realism. As hardware capabilities grow, we can expect custom AR/VR apps to deliver visuals nearly indistinguishable from the real world.
Expanded use of photogrammetry
Photogrammetry, the process of generating 3D models from 2D photographs, is gaining traction. It allows developers to quickly build realistic AR/VR environments by scanning real-world objects and locations rather than creating assets from scratch. Technologies like ray tracing also enhance photorealism.
Multi-user connectivity
Networking capabilities are expanding the social potential of AR/VR experiences. Multi-user applications enable people to interact, collaborate, and share experiences in augmented or virtual environments, adding an extra layer of immersion. Cloud anchoring also allows the creation of persistent shared worlds.
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AI-powered personalization
Artificial intelligence algorithms allow custom AR/VR apps to modify content for each user and respond conversationally dynamically. Eye and emotion tracking foster hyper-personalized experiences. AI also improves 3D asset generation and AR object placement in physical environments.
Enhanced gesture and motion control
More intuitive natural interfaces in AR/VR mimic real-world interactions more closely. Hand and eye tracking allows subtle gestures and glances to control experiences. It also adds vibrations and force feedback that you can feel, making the whole experience seem much more lifelike and immersive.
Expanded Device Compatibility
AR/VR software development kits (SDKs) support more devices like tablets, smartphones, glasses, and connected devices. Apps can detect and leverage each device’s native features and sensors. This expanded compatibility allows more users to engage with AR/VR.
Deeper real-world integrations
Geo-location, environmental/plane detection, and improved occlusion handling anchor AR objects more seamlessly in the real world. Spatial audio tied to real locations also enhances immersion. Expect AR/VR to blend more powerfully with physical spaces as positioning and mapping improve.
Broader connectivity options
Faster cellular networks, such as 5G, WiFi 6, and improved broadband, enable unrestricted consumer AR/VR experiences without PC or console connections. This gives more freedom of movement and app accessibility in public spaces.
Cloud-powered performance
With cloud computing, the hard work of running AR/VR software can happen on remote servers instead of your device. This lets average phones and computers show good AR and VR graphics. Combining device and cloud processing will make the experiences more realistic and immersive.
Accessible 3D content creation
Intuitive 3D creation tools like Facebook’s Blender and Snap’s Lens Studio enable more developers and creators to produce AR/VR content without deep 3D expertise. No-code platforms like ZapWorks also simplify creating multi-platform apps.
Natural language UI
Conversational interfaces using voice recognition and natural language processing allow hands-free AR/VR control. Voice commands and queries feel more intuitive than menus or buttons. NLP enables fuller conversations between users and AI characters.
Applications of custom AR/VR software across industries
Custom-built AR/VR software has many applications in different industries. Let’s look at how different industries use AR/VR.
Retail and eCommerce
AR/VR showcases products differently for shoppers. You can virtually try on makeup, clothes, and accessories before buying. Furniture stores let you see how pieces would look in your actual home through AR. Interactive demos of products help people understand and feel confident about purchasing. This increased viewing and trying out items gets more people to buy.
Training and simulation
VR practice helps train people in healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, and public safety jobs. It provides hands-on experience without any real-world dangers, making training safer, cost-effective, and more effective. AR also assists workers on the job by showing instructions, letting them get expert help, and guiding them step-by-step.
Events, entertainment, and tourism
AR/VR creates fun new experiences for amusement parks, live shows, movies, sports, and traveling. Amusement parks can add AR games to waiting lines and rides. VR lets people go to substantial virtual concert venues and movie scenes. Museums and tourist spots use AR to teach people entertainingly.
Architecture and construction
Architects use VR to show clients building designs before they’re built. Construction crews look at 3D AR/VR models to improve them on the job site. AR also helps interior designers by letting clients see how furniture and decor would look in the actual space. These AR and VR uses are changing how design and construction are done.
Marketing and sales
AR/VR demos at stores and trade shows create memorable experiences that attract interest and motivate people to buy products. Brands make AR try-ons and VR experiences stand out on social media and websites. Immersive AR/VR helps at all stages of marketing and selling.
Healthcare and medicine
Doctors use AR during complex surgeries, with patients’ CT scans overlaid to guide precision incisions. Virtual reality behavioral therapy treats phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical students train using virtual simulations, and virtual reality distraction therapy relieves pain. Many promising healthcare applications are emerging.
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The importance of custom development
While off-the-shelf AR/VR software provides basic functionality, custom-built apps unlock the full potential of immersive experiences with:
- Pixel-perfect personalization to your brand vision
- Exact feature sets optimized for your use cases
- Integrations with your existing tech stack and workflows
- Scalability to grow with your evolving business needs
- Ownership of proprietary experiences and codebase
- Competitive differentiation and market leadership
While AR/VR platforms reduce barriers to entry, custom AR/VR software development is indispensable for companies seeking true differentiation and long-term viability.
Conclusion
Using the newest technology, Custom AR/VR software development will create realistic and engaging experiences. AR/VR opens up new opportunities for forward-thinking businesses to lead the way. But to truly take full advantage, you need strategic software development expertise. Companies can make their grand visions into top-notch immersive apps by partnering with skilled AR/VR developers who can custom code with the best tools. The future of AR/VR will be incredible – combine creative ideas with technical skills, and the possibilities are endless.
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Author bio: Kelli Muniz
Kelli Muniz brings over 20 years of experience to her role as Director of Sales at Chetu. She previously worked at AT&T in telecom and software development before joining Chetu in 2020.
At Chetu, a global custom software company, Kelli oversees sales for the aviation, hospitality, travel, and weather/environment/maritime sectors. She has built a reputation as a thought leader in hospitality, travel, and aviation while helping Chetu grow into an award-winning organization.
