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    WebAR: How it is Possible, its Features and Benefits

    WebAR: How it is Possible, its Features and Benefits

    Tracy Watson

    11/06/2019

    9 min read

    webAR

    Many experts have been keeping a close eye on the AR field in order to find out whether or not it can work on the web. This would be a fascinating development because it would bring the AR experience to smartphone users everywhere and would be available via regular internet browsers as well. Even though web AR is in its early years, stead advancements are being made to make it a reality. While in Ukraine and many other countries such technologies are seldom employed due to difficulties during development, Skywell Software is the first company in Ukraine to develop an augmented reality web app for the Finish brand Finlandia. Let’s take a closer look at web AR since it is sure to become a big hit as the technology develops.   

    What is Web-Based Augmented Reality?   

    Web AR is a segment of web development that uses regular smartphones to provide the user with an AR experience. A marker is used to orient the scene, and then current JavaScript 3D rendering libraries are used to depict a 3D object shown on top of whatever is in front of the cell phone camera. The result is a simple yet immersive experience that pretty much anybody can enjoy. There are many benefits to Web AR, such as:   

    • Takes up less memory since you don’t have to download an app    
    • Fast deployment time with fewer costs    
    • Can be run on pretty much any browser    
    • Simple to implement cross-platform   

    Now that we have a general understanding of what Web AR is let’s take a look at some of the tools that are used to create these experiences.    

    ar.js

    Augmented Reality JavaScript   

    AR.js is a very effective tool because it runs entirely in the web browser, so you don’t have to download an app. This also means that you do not have to buy a particular device, such as an iPhone, to enjoy web AR. It will work on iOS 11, Android, Windows Mobile, or any other platform. It runs very fast, even if your phone is not so new and AR js is entirely open source and available on GitHub. For those of you who like A-Frame, it works well with AR.js    

    Another tool that is used with web AR is QR codes. Basically, you scan the QR code with your phone, and you will be redirected to a web page which will take you to the AR content. As you can imagine, such QR code augmented reality has many uses to it.    

    Practical Application   

    Web AR can be used for many purposes across industries to provide the user with a personalized experience. For example, marketers can use this technology to transform mundane print advertising into exciting, engaging, and immersive content. For example, let’s say that you are sitting at an airport waiting for your flight and reading magazines to pass the time. Instead of having to look at still images, you will be able to scan the code next to the advertisement, and you can see the products you are interested in 3D. Furthermore, it allows the marketer to obtain valuable information about the ad. Not only they will be able to see the engagement metrics, but they will also gain insights into the type of users that respond to the ads. This includes their age, gender, location, and lots of other valuable information.    

    It is also great for tourism because when people are walking around and see a historic building, monument or anything else they are interested in, all they have to do is scan the code and they will be provided with an experience no guide could provide. A lot of museums and art galleries are starting to employ this technology because it is cheaper for the institution and visitors as well. It is excellent for making the stories behind particular painting come to life.    

    One of the most exciting applications is in the education system. Parents and teachers are continually looking for new and inventive ways of keeping the students focused and engaged. In order to accomplish this task, they need to provide the students with something exciting. The QR markers can be printed inside textbooks or even directly on the assignment to provide the student with an experience unlike any other. It’s one thing to tell or read about a story from the history book or any other subject, but to actually see it live out in front of you is a whole different thing. This is why web AR is so promising in the education sector.  

    web based augmented reality

    Conclusion   

    We have just seen some the different and exciting ways web AR can be implemented, but what is just as impressive is that it is a win-win for everybody. For developers, this technology offers faster deployment times and fewer costs. For consumers, one of the main benefits is the accessibility. Everybody loves AR, and users everywhere will be able to enjoy it regardless of the device they have. Furthermore, it can be used for all kinds of purposes to immerse the user in the content. While this could be for both commercial or educational purposes, the most important thing is that it opens up a lot of opportunities.    

    While right now, companies are struggling with developing web AR, you can expect it to go mainstream as all the hurdles are overcome. 

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