Apple previews ARKit apps, Google debuts ARCore: It's all about business, developers
Apple is just days away from its Sept. 12 event rolling out new iPhones, but it's priming the augmented reality pump, previewing apps and showing what's possible with virtual room design, indoor mapping and retail applications.
Word of Apple's ARKit app show and tell is spreading. CNET's Sean Hollister and Scott Stein outlined how the iPhone maker is approaching augmented reality. Naturally, Apple highlighted a few games and fun GIFs. But IKEA room layout AR app is what you should really watch.
Why? Pokemon Go was the first AR mainstream hit. And Pokemon Go's rough sketch highlighted the business opportunity. The IKEA app on ARKit showed the potential to rearrange rooms, visualize the decor and ultimately buy something. IKEA plans to have 2,000 pieces of furniture available to digitally test in your home when the app launches with iOS 11 this fall.
Hmm. Doesn't this ARKit thing sound like a digital transformation enabler? Let's connect a few dots:
- Apple highlights ARKit to developers and app possibilities.
- Apple also inked a partnership with Accenture to focus on digital transformation and iOS.
- iOS is already dominant in the enterprise.
- Apple has partnerships with SAP and IBM for industry-specific iOS apps.
- Millions of iPhones will become AR devices in short order.
- Developers make money with Apple and therefore AR at some point. These same developers have been hosed by VR.
- Retailers would develop ARKit apps that could offer promotions, treasure hunts and make the omnichannel experience a lot more fun. Hell, there are other industries that would use AR for manufacturing, supply chain and customer experiences.
Let's get real. Apple's ARKit is as much a business play as it is a consumer one. Guess where the money will be?
Given the Apple ARKit effort it's not surprising that Google is showing off ARCore to developers. Of course, Google will see AR as an advertising bonanza--talk about localization--and developers will get some cut.
What would a retailer pay for AR-fueled foot traffic into a store? How about a mall operator? How about an amusement park? Google will be happy to roll with the bids for ads.
Here's where things get interesting though. Today's AR developers are more likely to be loyal to the concept of the technology instead of merely a platform. These AR developers and the companies that back them are going to follow the money. And when it comes to money a lot of roads are going to go through the enterprise technology.
More:
Apple, SAP forge enterprise app pact for iPhone, iPad
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Inside the Apple-IBM deal: How will it work, and what to expect
The Apple-IBM deal set aside decades of rivalry to forge a new path into tapping the enterprise market. But some key industries will miss out. Here's why.
How Pokemon Go may help AR's business case
Pokemon Go is making augmented reality a household technology. That reality can only help enterprises dabbling in the technology.
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- Research: 67 percent considering adoption of augmented reality in the enterprise
- Executive's guide to the business value of VR and AR (free ebook)
- Ten industries using augmented reality and virtual reality
- Five tips for creating virtual reality product demos
- Five ways augmented reality will transform your business
- GoInStore uses AR to blur the line between the online and in-store experience
- Five ways your company can get business value out of virtual reality