AR (Augmented Reality)

AR (augmented reality) is technology that overlays digital content, such as 3D models, labels or directions, onto a live view of the physical world. It is delivered through a phone or tablet camera, or through head-worn displays such as smart glasses. Unlike virtual reality, it does not replace your surroundings.

Why it matters

AR is used for navigation arrows, furniture previews, games, repair instructions and measuring tools. It depends on the device understanding its environment: cameras and motion sensors track position, and algorithms detect surfaces so virtual objects stay anchored. This is demanding on the GPU, battery and sensors, and it involves camera access, so app permissions matter. Web-based AR runs in the browser; app-based AR can use more of the device.

Example

A furniture app's flow:

1. You allow camera access.
2. The app scans the floor and detects a flat surface.
3. You place a virtual sofa at a real-world scale, such as 2 m wide.
4. As you walk around it, tracking keeps the sofa fixed in place, and lighting estimates adjust its shading.

Common mistakes

• Confusing AR with virtual reality, which immerses you in a fully virtual environment.
• Expecting precise placement in poor light or on featureless surfaces, where tracking drifts.
• Granting camera and location access to apps that do not need them.

Related

• App permissions
• GPU
• Wearable
• Game engine

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