Over 200 AR/VR companies have been acquired in the past two years, and there’s no sign of that slowing down anytime soon. More advanced augmented reality tools are on the horizon, which means that AR-related apps and hardware will continue to rise in popularity and improve in quality throughout 2017 and into the next decade. But what exactly are these tools? Which companies provide them? And why should you care? Keep reading to find out more!

1) Tool #1 - Marker-based Apps

The most well-known and easy-to-use form of augmented reality is marker-based apps. They are created by taking pictures or videos of real-life scenes or objects and then overlaying graphics. An example of a marker-based app is an app that allows users to take photos with Pokémon characters in them.

2) Tool #2 - Markerless Augmented Reality

This form of AR doesn’t require you to stick anything on or in your customer’s environment. Instead, Markerless AR uses computer vision and depth-sensing technology to understand what is around a consumer and place digital objects or information onto it. Imagine being able to see restaurant reviews on your window without writing them on there with post-it notes.

3) Tool #3 - Projection Augmented Reality

Projection AR takes 3D virtual content from your phone and projects it onto a surface. Unlike other augmented reality platforms, projection-based AR does not need special glasses; your phone is your VR goggles. Imagine playing a game with your colleagues or family where you all see different monsters but can still communicate in real-time about what’s going on—that’s an example of Projection AR at work.

4) Tool #4 - Superimposition based Augmented Reality

Bring an AR layer to any surface in real-time. Superimposition-based AR is a common and essential form of augmented reality that, unlike marker-based AR, works with any objects or surfaces without requiring additional hardware or markers. While both are powerful technologies with equal potential for boosting sales, it’s superimposition-based AR. It is generally more accessible to a broader audience and can be considered Markerless since it can be experienced anywhere.

Find out about more other tools in: https://www.valuecoders.com/blog/technology-and-apps/advanced-augmented-reality-tools-to-skyrocket-business/