Augmented Reality Applications Introduce Scalability and Cost Efficiency for Business

On October 19^th, 2017, a Munich based technology company RE’FLEKT launched REFLEKT REMOTE, the latest enterprise Augmented Reality (AR) solution that provides real-time access to expert assistance via a cloud-based incident management system and AR applications created with REFLEKT ONE content creation platform. Employees and customers can choose instant remote assistance or on-site guidance with the remote video collaboration tool and AR-powered instructions that are available in mobile apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and smart glasses.

These AR solutions enable industrial enterprises to replace traditional manuals with real-time guidance, which improves maintenance efficiency, reduces operation costs, and facilitates training for complex machinery. And, there is neither programming nor external expert required for the solution. Consequently, it enhances reliability and increases revenues for the industrial companies.

Most importantly, RE’FLEKT’s AR solutions support both ARKit and ARCore. The AR development software from Apple and Google will take the technology main stream. Available in all iOS 11 devices, ARKit  already has a massive install base. The addition of more Android devices over time through ARCore will create a total addressable hardware base of over a billion devices in a very short amount of time. Thus, RE’FLEKT’s enterprise suite will expand to millions of devices thanks to the continued development from Apple and Google.

Programmers should grasp this excellent chance to start building more AR apps/contents, as more revenues are going to be generated. Likewise, industry verticals should utilize software to provide customized service to entice customers with increased work productivity and safety.

Currently enterprise use cases dominate the AR/MR markets, however, the AR development from Apple and Google will bridge the gap between enterprise and consumer in an overwhelming manner. 

Companies active in the competitive landscape range from large hardware and content providers such as Google and Microsoft, to development tools, applications and services providers like PTC and RE’FLEKT. Both Apple and Google have opened the mobile device ecosystem even further for augmented reality, through ARKit and ARCore respectively. Apple is continuing its AR acquisition trend through the purchase of eye-tracking company SensorMotoric Instruments. In October 2016, Google also acquired an eye-tracking startup, Eyefluence. Acquisitions will continue to ramp up as larger companies look to get involved in the market; this will be met with an equal increase of new companies entering the space. New entrants such as HMD company RealWear and display provider WaveOptics continue to expand the AR/MR roster.

Growth is spreading globally. North America dominates the AR market with the leading technologies, accounting for the largest share in terms of total market revenues. Asia Pacific is the second largest market with fast growth, thanks to its population, economic growth, and increasing adoption of new technologies. China leads Asia Pacific in AR and MR usage, attaching significant importance to gaming, education, and real estate. China is showing a significant uptick in activity. In fact, of the 40 AR/MR companies added into ABI Research’s Market Tracker, 25% of them are Chinese companies. (For more information, please read ABI Research’s report Augmented/Mixed Reality SI and VAR Market Tracker). China’s massive mobile internet population provides a huge market for AR content consumption, which brings wonderful opportunity for China search engine giant Baidu to entrench itself in smartphone-based AR. Another two dominant Chinese Internet giants, Tencent (social) and Alibaba (e-commerce), have also started investing in mobile AR.