6 Augmented Reality Technology Trends of 2022 (Updated)

Augmented reality (AR) made people realize that they can blend the real and virtual worlds while using accessible gadgets, such as their smartphones. What can we look forward to in AR trends in 2022?

1. More Uses of AR in Education

Educators are investigating ways to teach people with AR. There are various AR apps meant for the classroom that teach people everything from history to spelling. There’s a constant push to figure out how to make learning as engaging as possible, and augmented reality technology could help achieve that goal.

One thing that should increase the prominence of AR in education is that people of all ages can use the technology. Many of the existing apps adapt to users based on their age or how much they know.

2. An Increase in AR Smartphone Apps

The widespread and sudden popularity of “Pokémon Go” proved that there’s a market for AR apps geared toward everyday consumers. So, it’s not surprising that AR apps will become even more widely available for smartphone users this year. Some augmented reality technology may come on apps that are part of the phone’s standard offerings.

For example, Google Lens is a feature within the Google Photos app that lets you learn more about things captured in images. If you take a picture of a painting in a museum, the app could tell you more about the creator and the artwork’s history.

People who want to try out some of the best AR apps of 2021 have plenty of possibilities, and some of those apps may evolve in 2022. There are AR makeup apps, applications that help you troubleshoot problems with a friend and, of course, games to help you unwind. Throughout 2022, you should expect more AR apps that you can explore on your smartphone.

3. Augmented Reality in More Industries

Many people think of AR primarily as a gaming technology, but its applications extend far beyond entertainment. This year, people in a growing number of industries will begin to discover how AR could help them meet their goals.

People are using AR in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and retail. As more industries realize that AR offers numerous opportunities not even imaginable a decade or so ago, they’ll likely begin implementing AR in more ways.

For example, construction workers use AR to plan projects and take measurements, which comes in handy. Inaccurate measurements can end up costing thousands of dollars to fix. While AR may be expensive to implement, long-term savings is an attractive offering for construction companies.

Warby Parker, the eyewear company, also uses AR technology to allow customers to try on different glasses before ordering, which helps reduce return rates. People will continue to realize that more than just a few niche industries are using AR. Rather, AR has applications for nearly every industry and already has a presence in many sectors.

4. AR Gadgets and Tech Readily Available to Consumers

AR technology is readily available and can even be incorporated into devices such as smartphones. However, for people who want to invest in AR-specific gadgets, several options exist:

• The MagiMask works with your smartphone, but it’s an AR headset that claims to offer four times the resolution of similar headsets. You can also watch movies with the headset. The company behind this gadget offers MagiTools, too, which are objects you can use to interact with the digital world. The MagiMask may eventually become to AR what the Oculus Rift is to VR.
• There’s also an AR projector called Lightform. It allows people to experience AR without the confines of an AR headset. People can also use Lightform to make projected AR signs to support branding initiatives.
• People in the market for AR glasses should consider the Vuzix Blade, a model that makes AR accessible to everyday people. They look like sunglasses but have a feature that allows wearers to see information projections in front of their eyes while using them. This approach to AR shows that people don’t have to settle for clunky accessories.

AR tech will become more readily available, and the average person will see all the benefits this advanced tech has to offer. Additionally, it’s expected that Apple will announce a new AR headset sometime in 2022, with the product launch expected in 2023.

5. AR Adoption Will Accelerate With 5G Technology

5G tech is highly anticipated, as it will help boost our overall connectivity. However, the confluence of AR and 5G will continue to be a hot topic of discussion in the coming months. Various industries are expected to pull in numerous use cases to reap the benefits 5G and AR offer.

Take the company Qualcomm, for example. The company announced at the Augmented World Expo show that they will release new AR headsets which are more lightweight and have 5G capabilities.

Because it’s low-latency, meaning it works much faster, 5G will help provide a crystal-clear, life-like image quality for users. Being always connected through 5G technology will allow AR headsets and other wearable devices to be used on the go, which means even more use cases will emerge.

6. AR Meets Artificial Intelligence (AI)

One more trend to keep an eye out for in 2022 is the combination of AR and AI technologies. Several emerging technologies are fighting for the spotlight, but when combined, it feels as if the future of technology becomes more attainable. Using both AI and AR sounds like a dream come true.

Companies such as Heru, Tailspin, Actiview, and Touchcast are some examples of organizations looking to combine AR and AI to improve operations, boost marketing efforts, and maximize sales. AR apps are more powerful when they leverage AI, so 2022 will hopefully be an interesting year as these revolutionary technologies intersect.

Keep these AR trends in mind, as 2022 is just around the corner.

AR Is Part of the Mainstream

Augmented reality technology has a bright and promising future. It’ll be fascinating to see how these trends develop this year. As AR gets more affordable and widespread, it will be exciting to see what people do with it.