In the past it was thought that the iPhone, the internet, the personal computer would be the change we needed in the world – and they were right. Today we cannot function without these three things. One of the best ways to make money on the stock market is still to invest in disruptive technological trends. Every new trend has the potential to produce something innovative and life-changing. Just imagine if you invested in Apple Inc. during the beginning stages of the company. You would be rich beyond your imagination.
This thought could give you a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) but don’t worry. With modern technology we have today it would seem as if innovation never stops. The trick is to pinpoint what is known as a “megatrend” and then act fast before the rest of the world catches on.
One of these trends is AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technology. It might have been the building blocks of science fiction stories and films but in the 21st Century, it is very real. This is said to outdo the iPhone in magnitude in the years to come.
In order to invest in these applications, it is important to understand what they are. VR devices refer to a computer-simulated reality that delivers an immersive experience. Video games are great examples of VR technology. AR, on the other hand, is a real-time view of an actual physical environment. Certain elements of AR such as sound, video, and graphics are computer-generated. It is one of the most exciting technologies ever to reach the human grasp and you can experience anything that you can imagine. AR technology is generally utilized in the commercial industry when it comes to things like manufacturing, assembly, or construction.
Experts have noted that this change in technology has led to an era of accelerated change, overwhelming complexity, and tremendous competition. Goldman Sachs estimated that the VR/AR market will reach $80 million by 2025 but other experts think that it will soar even higher – to more than $150 million. It would be unwise, however, to invest in mega-cap titans that are currently exploring AR. It is better to invest in a mid-cap option like Vuzix. An American pioneer in the AR industry, Vuzix recently announced that its M300 Smart Glasses that are supported by the Vuforia AR platform, one of the world’s prevalent software platform for AR applications.
One industry where AR technology will be implemented is in retail. Shoppers will be able to add virtual objects they are considering buying into their views. Big retail stores like Lowe’s and IKEA are already using AR technology to create an immersive experience for their customers. People are already able to envision certain types of rooms without buying any of the renovation items.
Other industries that are enjoying AR integration are toys, entertainment, and video games. AR is not just used for practical functions but also for people to enjoy it. Who knows where the future might take us with AR devices?
November 7, 2017
