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Augmented reality app downloads to surge

Regina Pazvakavambwa
By Regina Pazvakavambwa, ITWeb portals journalist.
Johannesburg, 25 Oct 2016
The success of AR applications is down to desirable content, such as Pokémon GO and Snapchat, says Juniper Research.
The success of AR applications is down to desirable content, such as Pokémon GO and Snapchat, says Juniper Research.

The augmented reality (AR) market will rise to 2.3 billion apps by 2021, representing a 380% increase from an estimated 482 million in 2016.

This is according to Juniper Research's recent study: Augmented Reality: Developer & Vendor Strategies 2016-2021.

According to the study, the popularity of Pokémon GO is inspiring app developers to incorporate AR technologies into their applications.

The launch of the AR game sparked a worldwide phenomenon that has created a greater interest in the technology, leaving developers 'champing at the bit' to recreate its global success, it adds.

Juniper Research says AR content has now evolved past its 'gimmicky' reputation, and consumer attitudes have become more positive towards the technology.

Research firm IDC says the concept of augmented and virtual reality is still relatively new for both vendors and consumers alike.

"However, the global success of Pokémon Go has brought the concept to a much broader audience. And with industry powerhouses such as Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Sony, and Facebook pushing the technology to the masses, end-user awareness and familiarity is only going to grow."

IDC expects consumers to account for more than $100 million of the Middle East and Africa region's augmented reality/virtual reality spending in 2016.

Research and Markets expect the mobile augmented reality market to reach $79.77 billion by 2022.

The major reason for the growth of the mobile augmented reality technology is the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, adoption of advanced technologies, and implementation of software applications in mobile computing, it says.

Juniper Research says AR opportunities will be further boosted by releases of other devices - HoloLens, manufactured by Microsoft, is expected to be launched in 2017, adding to competition for Vuzix and Osterhout Design Group.

Although, consumers will initially be discouraged by high costs and lack of content, the devices' superior specifications will lead to improved content over smartphone applications, it adds.

The report says despite smartphones already being capable of AR, the success of applications is down to desirable content, such as Pokémon GO and Snapchat.

"The current crop of AR offerings is a taste of its future. Soon, the technology will be commonplace in fields such as medicine, manufacturing and training," says research author, Sam Barker.

The increasing confidence in AR technology as demonstrated by large investments into smaller AR specialists such as Magic Leap.

The company has attracted over $1.3 billion of investment to continue the development of their hardware, says Juniper research.

Magic Leap has made no public announcement, however it has convinced large companies such as Google and Qualcomm Ventures to invest, it adds.

Furthermore, Apple's inclusion of two rear cameras its latest flagship iPhone, indicates its belief that AR content will further penetrate the smartphone ecosystem, notes Juniper Research.

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