Examples of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Our Everyday Lives

As both virtual and augmented reality technology continues to grow and evolve, they are starting to be used more and more in our everyday lives. When we think about these technologies outside the business sphere, the first thing that comes to mind is gaming, but there are even more practical AR and VR applications. In this article, we take a closer look at virtual and augmented reality examples and how they help us accomplish and enhance some of the things we do daily. 

Enhancing the Shopping Experience

One of the biggest augmented reality uses is in retail, which includes both online and in-store shopping. When we go online and browse through products, we always encounter some hesitation before making a purchase. One of the most interesting examples of augmented reality in retail is what the makeup brand Cosmia is doing. It realizes that people will always be on the fence about purchasing a product because they can’t try it on, which is why they have developed AR technology that allows them to try it on virtually. 

As far as in-store shopping is concerned, AR can be used to enhance this experience as well. We are seeing uses of augmented reality with things like trying on clothes in AR, which saves customers a lot of time since they don’t have to make a trip to the fitting room. Also, IKEA is using AR to show customers how individual furniture items will look in their homes, which also helps alleviate the fear of buyer’s remorse. Keep in mind IKEA is only one example of augmented reality being used to visualize abstract concepts, thus allowing the buyer to make a more informed decision. Many companies are also hiring AR services to develop such solutions to increase revenue and keep up with the competition. 

Do It Yourself Jobs 

Often, we encounter simple fixes around the house or with the car that we can do ourselves without calling the plumber, mechanic, or other professional assistance. However, we do need a little help in finding out what exactly we need to do. This is an area where AR can be of great assistance. For example, let’s say that you want to change the car’s oil, but you don’t know what exactly you need to do. An AR app can overlay the instructions on the car itself, allowing you to get a much better idea of what needs to be done. There are many other examples of AR helping us perform such simple fixes, thus saving us money every day. 

Now that we have explored AR use cases let’s now explore some virtual reality examples. 

Virtual Reality Tours

With the ongoing pandemic putting restrictions on travel, you can use VR to visit any destination in any part of the world. This is one of the most creative uses of virtual reality since it allows you to feel as if you were in Rome inside St. Peter’s Basilica or any other location in the world. One of the most beneficial virtual reality uses its immersive nature. For example, you can put on a pair of VR goggles and be teleported to Juno and Zeus’s temples in Sicily’s Valle Dei Templi. Best of all, something like this does not cost a fortune. You can use Google Cardboard along with the Google Arts & Culture app to enjoy all of these sites. 

Keep in mind, there are also uses for virtual reality to tour your local museums or art galleries. You can put on a VR headset and be further immersed in the rich history and art contained inside. Some of the most interesting virtual reality examples of such tours include a stroll through the Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art in the National Mall, The British Museum in London, and many others as well.

Enjoy Your Favorite Content in VR

Since we mentioned Google Cardboard in the previous section, let’s take a look at some of the more advanced VR glasses uses. Let’s take a look at a mid-level product like Samsung Gear VR. It offers many more VR uses than the Google Cardboard, but it won’t give you the same experience as some of the high-end products like Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. Some of the Samsung Gear VR uses include enjoying your favorite content, including things like Facebook 360, and enjoying sports highlights with apps like Intel True VR. With the help of VR, not only are you viewing the action on the field, but it will feel as if you are actually there. VR headset uses span the gamut and can be used to view almost any content and make it more realistic. 

Take Your Hobbies to the Next Level With VR

One of the most common VR uses to take the activities we enjoy and take them up several notches. For example, let’s say you enjoy painting in your spare time. However, why would you limit yourself to just the 2D canvas? With apps like Tilt Brush, you can paint in 3D space in virtual reality. Tilt Brush is just one of the many Unity VR samples that allow companies to create the most advanced virtual reality solutions that allow us to take even more pleasure out of the activities that we love. 

Our Imagination Only limits the Uses for VR and AR

We looked at many uses of virtual reality technology and augmented reality as well, but there are new and exciting apps coming out all the time. If you have an idea for an innovative product, you can trust Skywell Software to make your vision a reality. We have extensive experience developing both AR and VR solutions for the world’s leading brands, and we can provide you with the guidance and expertise you need to make your product a success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.