Currently, augmented reality (AR or AR) is increasingly present in people's daily lives. In addition to being immersive, the technology allows users to access new experiences.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality | Differences, possibilities and applications
The first experiments in technology emerged in entertainment, especially in the gaming industry. But, over the years, technology has gained new applicability and is already being widely used in other areas, such as education, interior design, construction and many others.
What Augmented Reality is and how it works
Augmented reality is the integration of elements or virtual information with elements of the real world through a camera. One of the most well-known uses of augmented reality are filters for photos on social networks and games like Pokémon GO and Minecraft Earth.
To insert virtual elements in the real world, technology requires a marker, which can be an image, a flat space or more complex elements. Thus, it is possible to use this mark so that the virtual element is properly inserted in the image captured by the camera.
Unlike virtual reality (VR), which requires the use of specific glasses and makes users feel part of the environment, augmented reality can be accessed directly on their cell phone by a series of apps.
Next, check out a list of ten augmented reality apps for you to access on your Android or iOS phone!
1. Google: see in 3D
When searching for an animal on Google, it is possible to use the option “See in 3D” so that you can view this animal in augmented reality using your cell phone camera.
The resource has several animals in its catalog and, recently, the tool has started to allow users to view three-dimensional models of dinosaurs.
- How to put 3D dinosaurs in your home with Google's augmented reality
2. BBC Civilizations AR
Currently, many apps are incorporating this technology in the teaching and learning process. BBC Civilizations AR (Android | iOS) allows users to view, rotate and resize numerous historical artifacts using AR technology.
In addition to having more than 30 items in the catalog, it is possible to learn a little more about the history of each of them.
3. Google Maps: Live View
The Google Maps app has a feature called "Live View" that allows users to view the chosen routes in augmented reality. To access the feature, your device must be compatible with Google Play Services for RA (Android) or ARKit (iOS).
Therefore, select a route on Google Maps and click on “Live View” in the bottom corner.
With the camera activated, you can view the final destination and visual indicators that will show you where you should be going.
If you point the camera in the opposite direction of the route, a visual indicator will show the correct direction to be followed.
4. SketchAR
SketchAR (Android | iOS) is an app for those who want to learn how to draw. In addition to having numerous tutorials for beginners, the platform also has advanced drawing techniques.
With the camera pointed at a sheet of paper, you can draw on it the icon that is displayed on the screen. So you can train your technique and improve your drawing skills.
5. Measure (iOS)
Available only for iOS devices, the Measurement app uses technology to turn your device into a "tape measure". With it, you can measure the size of the objects around you using the camera.
Just open the app and click on the “+” icon to add the points.
The app itself will calculate the distance between the points you have positioned.
6. Pokémon GO
Released in July 2016, Pokémon GO (Android | iOS) takes the experience of being a Pokémon master quite seriously. The game encourages players to take to the streets to hunt for new monsters, train them and obtain new items to evolve them.
- How to play Pokémon GO without leaving your home
You can use the augmented reality experience to hunt and capture the Pokémon that appear in your region.
7. Minecraft Earth
Minecraft Earth (Android | iOS) has numerous similarities to Pokémon GO. In addition to allowing the exploration of the world to collect items, the game also has an immersive experience with AR technology.
- The best tips for you to play Minecraft Earth without leaving your home
Use the augmented reality experience to be able to do “Adventures”, collect resources, kill enemies, or edit three-dimensional models.
8. Mondly
If you would like to learn a new language, but do not want to buy an online course or access video lessons on YouTube, you can use Mondly (Android | iOS). With 33 different languages, the app offers daily exercises so that you can learn a new language in a short period of time.
In addition, the app has the "Augmented Reality" area, which allows you to position a teacher in a flat location and then train vocabulary and pronunciation of the selected language. This section requires the paid version of the app, but you can try it for free for seven days.
9. Ink Hunter
With Ink Hunter (Android | iOS), you can visualize how a tattoo will look on your body. Just select which tattoo you would like to view, make a drawing on your body and point the camera at it. The tattoo will be displayed exactly in the location you have chosen.
10. Google Translate
Did you know that the Google Translate app (Android | iOS) has a translation function that uses augmented reality? To access it, you need to point your phone's camera at a text, then the app will recognize the language and display the translation on your phone's screen.
- Google Translate: how to translate texts that are in photos
Open the app, click on the "Camera" icon and then point the camera at the text you want to translate. The text will be translated and displayed directly on your screen.
Now you can use these augmented reality apps on your phone to learn, have fun and even use them in everyday tasks.