The installation of mobile augmented reality (AR) apps in smartphones and tablets is expected to reach 2.5 billion per year by 2017, according to a new report.
Juniper Research’s ‘Mobile Augmented Reality: Entertainment, LBS & Retail Strategies 2012-2017’ report revealed that the number of AR app downloads by 2017 will be 3.5 times the number of downloads recorded by Angry Birds in 2011.
The report revealed that the deployment of AR in the retail sector is expected to allow retailers to adopt an experience similar to being online in their stores, enabling the customers to view more information on a product by directing their camera at the desired product.
The deployment of AR by entertainment brands is expected to increase the usage by motivating customers to download AR apps and test them with well known products, according to the report.
The increase in consumer awareness will allow the mobile augmented reality industry to reach critical mass and without critical mass, the report said.
Report author Charlotte Miller said familiarising the average consumer with the concept of AR and what it can do for them can only come from its use in everyday situations.
"Adding AR to a magazine and encouraging readers to download and try it is a great way of educating consumers about what AR can offer them but we won’t see an explosion in user numbers until major retail brands embrace and adopt AR in their own apps," Miller said.
