Top 6 Augmented Reality Companies of 2024
Augmented reality (AR) technology, while not new, is gaining significant momentum thanks to increased initiatives from major tech giants, expanding its range of applications daily. Although AR is often associated with entertainment, the current data tells a different story.
According to Statista, there were 810 million mobile AR users worldwide in 2021, and by the end of 2023, orders for AR headsets are expected to exceed 30 million. By 2024, an estimated 1.73 billion people will be actively using AR technology.
The commercial sector holds the largest share in these figures. AR, especially in eCommerce and virtual try-ons, has become a gold standard for creating efficient and engaging shopping experiences. With big tech companies pushing the technology forward, the number of frequent AR users continues to grow, making now the perfect time for brands to develop their AR strategies.
Key Insights
Massive Growth in AR Adoption: Augmented reality (AR) is experiencing a significant rise in usage, with mobile AR users reaching 810 million in 2021 and expected to grow to 1.73 billion by 2024. The surge in AR adoption is driven by increasing investments from big tech companies and its expanding applications across industries.
AR’s Impact on eCommerce: AR has become a key driver in eCommerce, offering highly engaging and efficient shopping experiences through features like virtual try-ons. By enhancing the online shopping experience, AR is not only improving customer satisfaction but also increasing conversion rates and reducing returns for businesses.
Tech Giants Leading the AR Space: Major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta (Facebook), and Apple are at the forefront of AR innovation. These companies are pushing the boundaries of AR with wearable technologies, immersive experiences, and smart devices that integrate AR into everyday life, further accelerating its mainstream adoption.
The Rise of Wearable AR Technologies: Google, Microsoft, and Apple are all heavily invested in wearable AR technologies, from Google Glass to Microsoft’s HoloLens and Apple’s Vision Pro. These devices are shaping the future of AR by making it more accessible and functional in both consumer and enterprise settings.
artlabs is Leading the Way in 3D Product Visualization: artlabs is emerging as a leader in the AR space, specializing in 3D product visualization and interactive experiences for eCommerce. By offering seamless solutions for converting 2D images into immersive AR content, artlabs is helping brands enhance their online presence, improve customer engagement, and drive sales.
The Leading Augmented Reality Companies
Here are the top augmented reality companies of the year:
Google, one of the main companies that prefers to invest in wearable technologies, is working on smart glasses improvements. When the idea for the Google Glass Explorer Edition was first launched in 2013, it was leading the way as the first technology company to invest in this space.
However, the first Google Glass did not achieve the expected success mainly due to its cost and not being handy for daily use. Google then paused the project and relaunched it with an improved model and higher reach. However, Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, appeals to businesses, rather than individual users.
On the other hand, Google acquired North, a company focused on creating augmented reality glasses. Launching their AR glasses called Focals 1.0 in January 2019, North paired the glasses with phones to display information, provide directions, and perform any action that could be performed via Bluetooth.
Images were projected in front of the user with the help of the lasers located on Focals 1.0. We can assume that Google wants to be more visible in the field of augmented reality, and wants to get North's technical experience for the hardware part.
In addition to the wearable AR glasses it has developed, Google does not neglect AR accessibility for its existing smart devices. Google Search and Google Maps have been developed with ARCore. ARCore works in harmony with both of these platforms.
Microsoft
When it comes to Microsoft's work on augmented reality, the first product that comes to mind is HoloLens. Launched in 2016, the first HoloLens enhanced our visual experience with high-resolution holograms, integrating parts of the virtual world into the environment we live in.
Even in this state, HoloLens offered a display beyond its age. However, the interest of other big tech companies in this area forced Microsoft to keep up with the latest developments. HoloLens, which we can call baby steps in Microsoft's augmented reality world, was upgraded and later launched as HoloLens 2. With HoloLens 2, Microsoft increased the user's field of view from 32 degrees to 54 degrees, thus making the line between virtual and real even thinner. Unlike the first model, this advanced mixed-reality headset was designed for its corporate customers only. (The first HoloLens can be used in the gaming industry as well.) It focuses on increasing business efficiency, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail services.
Mesh for Teams, which was recently announced by Microsoft and will be available as of 2022, is being developed to take online meetings to a different level. Although the difficult times of the pandemic made it necessary to carry out business activities remotely, we can say that it accelerated the introduction of developments that will eventually occur in our lives.
As Mesh for Teams "beams" people from different locations into a room with holographic images, it will also be accessible on many devices, from smartphones to mixed reality headsets.
Microsoft, like Google, did not hesitate to seek technical help in other areas. By purchasing AltspaceVR, a social network for virtual reality, they made it clear they want to be a key player in both AR and VR spaces in the near future. Companies should definitely keep an eye out for Microsoft's next metaverse move.
Amazon
Amazon also joined the latest AR trend to not fall behind in the competition, but not by launching AR glasses. The company came up with smart glasses called Echo Frames; however, it is not possible to define Echo Frames as AR glasses since they lack the complete visual experience. We can call these glasses a kind of closer and more functional version of Alexa to your ear. By pairing Echo Frames with your Android device, you can access your notifications, make calls, or perform any audio activity you would normally do with your phone.
All notifications are filtered by your loyal assistant Alexa and reach you in order of importance. Notifications that are not urgent or considered unimportant by the virtual assistant are left so you can check them later on your smartphone. It's as easy as relying on your assistant's prioritization system in real life, right?
Although Amazon is not heavily investing in smart glasses (as far as we know), it benefits from the blessings of AR technology for customer satisfaction in its applications. Amazon's online app allows you to try the products in the comfort of your home with the help of AR to make sure everything goes smoothly with your orders. Using AR in eCommerce is known to increase conversion rates and decrease product returns, so we can say an eCommerce giant like Amazon is trying everything to improve its online customer experience.
Meta (Facebook)
Claiming that it will turn into a metaverse company in the next 10 years, Meta/Facebook is one of the most relevant companies in the augmented reality area at the moment. With successive initiatives, Meta/Facebook is working hard to improve user experience and become a leader in the industry.
AR will play a key role in Facebook's metaverse transformation. However, its latest smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban are not technically AR glasses. They do not have a screen and do not offer augmented reality displays, like Amazon's Echo Frames.
Announced at the Facebook Connect event and referred to as "Project Nazare," these new glasses offer a very different universe experience than bringing virtual elements to the real world.
One of the most important reasons why this project promises a different perspective and enhanced experience is Zuckerberg’s goal of "breaking the addiction to phone screens." It is claimed that the smart glasses, which are planned to work with their own virtual screens without the need for any physical intermediary object, will not disconnect people from the real world but, in fact, will connect them more to life.
Apple
Until now, Apple has been as silent as Amazon in developing AR devices. They have now released their own AR headset, Apple Vision Pro.
Apple Vision Pro is Apple's highly anticipated augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset, announced in 2023. It is a spatial computing device that combines AR and VR experiences, allowing users to interact with digital content in a more immersive and intuitive way. Apple describes the Vision Pro as a "spatial computer" because it integrates AR elements with the physical world.
artlabs
artlabs is an innovative leader in augmented reality (AR) and 3D product visualization technology, specializing in creating scalable AR experiences for eCommerce and retail brands. With its cutting-edge platform, artlabs simplifies the process of converting 2D product images into interactive 3D models and AR experiences, enhancing customer engagement and helping brands offer immersive virtual try-ons. This seamless integration of AR and 3D content enables businesses to showcase their products in a dynamic, hyper-realistic way, improving customer satisfaction and boosting sales. artlabs' technology is designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality AR solutions that keep brands ahead in the competitive digital marketplace.
The Bottom Line
Learning from the big augmented reality companies that dominate the developments in the technology world may be the most strategic step for the future. Some of them are already advancing their AR strategies and some do not hesitate to get the support of an expert when necessary. If you haven't taken a step to include AR solutions in your business plan, maybe the Big Five's AR strategies can inspire you.
If you want to display your products in 3D for your eCommerce business where visuality is of great importance, you can contact us and learn more about our solutions.
FAQs
What is augmented reality (AR), and why is it becoming so popular?
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world by overlaying digital information, such as images or data, onto a user's view of their surroundings. AR is becoming more popular due to advancements in technology and its increasing applications across industries like eCommerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment. The ability to provide immersive, interactive experiences is making AR a crucial tool for businesses to engage customers more effectively.
How many mobile AR users are there globally, and what is the projected growth?
As of 2021, there are 810 million mobile AR users worldwide. This number is expected to grow rapidly, with predictions suggesting that by 2024, there will be 1.73 billion active users of AR technology. Additionally, orders for AR headsets are anticipated to exceed 30 million by the end of 2023.
Which companies are leading the development of augmented reality?
Some of the top companies leading the AR space include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta/Facebook, and Apple. These companies are innovating in AR hardware, software, and applications, each contributing to different aspects of AR, from smart glasses to virtual shopping experiences.
How is AR being used in eCommerce?
AR is transforming eCommerce by allowing customers to virtually try on products, view items in 3D, and experience how products would look in their real-world environment before making a purchase. This technology increases customer confidence, enhances the shopping experience, and reduces product returns, making it a valuable tool for online retailers.
Why is AR important for the future of technology?
AR is poised to play a major role in the future of technology because it offers new ways to interact with the digital world. From revolutionizing online shopping to enhancing remote work and education, AR bridges the gap between physical and digital experiences. As more industries adopt AR, it will continue to shape how we live, work, and interact with technology.
