Augmented Reality (AR). A quick search on Google will tell you that this means a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite (something that is made up of various different parts) view.

Everyone has seen the movie images of fighter jet pilots with augmented reality images of critical data being screened onto the inside of their visors as they hone in on their targets. All they have to do is look at their target to lock onto it, and flip the switch to fire.

Augmented Reality is simply the blending of interactive digital elements – like visual overlays, into our real-world environments, namely your business

But what is AR really? And how can AR benefit you? Well, the Pixzar logo, the dinosaur or the phone image in this article is an example of augmented reality, read on to see just how it works!

Technology exists to make life easier. We live in the age of information where everything is readily & easily available at your fingertips, or more specifically, your smartphone.

Your smartphone is your window to the world giving you access to all types of applications, in particular: Augmented Reality – that will enhance your ability to enter a new world of instant access to information, knowledge and understanding!

We have entered into the era of the 4^th Industrial Revolution, a new immersive wave of computing, to which AR (Augmented Reality) together with VR (Virtual Reality) will lead the way in definite changes to the way we access information and sift out right from wrong, and wanted from unwanted. In essence, saving you time.

Consider this, you’re looking through this publication and an advert or article grabs your attention and you would like to know more.

What are the steps you would take to access further information on that particular product?

• You could call the number displayed and hold on while a receptionist tries to locate the correct department to put you through. By this time you’ve wasted valuable time holding on the phone.
• You could visit the website and view further details on the product. Of course, you are interrupted with pop-up ads continuously.

Both these actions require user input as well as considerable time. AR allows you to access the relevant and specific information that interests you by using the new PIXZAR app created in South Africa. PIXZAR is a free download.

PIXZAR changes the way you are now able to interact with advertising, marketing, books, newspapers, logos and other media.

How does it work? Once you have downloaded the PIXZAR app onto your phone, scan the PIXZAR logo at the bottom of this article and you will have access to a whole range of additional, more detailed, relevant digital AR and PIXZAR information.

By using AR in your articles or advertising you can now take your audience into your world of technical specifications and information on your product, videos or educational material, as there is no limit to the journey you can take the reader on, without them having to leave the screen of their smartphone.

Another example would be if you saw an outfit that you liked, and you would like to see it in another colour or design, the manufacturer, using AR, would allow you to scan the item and you would immediately be taken to a site where more detail on that specific item is located rather than going through the website and spending time scrolling a myriad of pages & links looking for that specific item.

The steady growth of AR globally, and various applications to use it, is taking the marketing industry by storm.

There is no limit to where the PIXZAR application can be used together with VR – from the education sector to manufacturing and even a simple scan of a page of an instruction manual page would bring it to life and show how to do something.

Gone are the days of researching encyclopaedias, history books, etc., manually.  

All vital information for every conceivable subject may be brought into the 21^st century by simply augmenting the pages.

No need to change the print, just implement or update the digital content. This in turn gives added value to current media all the way from famous fairy tales to history to complex math and physics problems.

AR is more than just cool digitally generated information. It, like many of the technological advances, make your life easier and effectively gives you the most accurate and relevant information WHEN YOU want it.

Download PIXZAR and Scan the dinosaur below. Look for the “AR augmented” adverts and articles, scan them with your PIXZAR app and see where they take you.

Contact us If you are interested in AR advertising in the Northern Business Review.