Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is a type of technology that combines the real and virtual worlds using techniques to superimpose computer-generated images into a real-world environment.  AR technology and the future of footwear go hand in hand through improved shopping experiences allowing customers to try on shoes virtually. Adopting AR technology is enhancing the shopping experience through AR shoes try-on options and immersive AR advertising campaigns.  Increasing customer engagement and touchpoints promotes brand recognition, customer loyalty, and the potential for increased revenue. How Augmented Reality for shoes works? Unlike virtual reality, the technology that transports users into virtual worlds, Augmented Reality overlays virtual things into the physical world. In the shoe industry, AR technology is being used in several ways, including design, production, marketing, customization, and customer experience. AR shoes are presented to customers through an interactive shopping experience, overlaying shoes into the physical world to view and ar try-on shoes before making a purchase.  AR shoes shopping involves interactive 3D images that seamlessly combine computer-generated elements and a real-world view in real time. An AR shoes try-on may also include accurate sizing capabilities. For example, Nike AR try-on features include AR measuring tools that measure a customer’s feet down to the millimeter. Advantages of using AR for shoes Implementing AR technology in the shoe industry results in several significant advantages.  Applications of AR Shoes Augmented Reality in the shoe industry is not a passing trend; it is significantly transforming the industry from manufacturing to purchase points. One of the many applications of AR shoes is in the fashion and retail space.  Virtual try-on shoes appeal to almost any shopper shopping for shoes for fashion or fitness. Sports and fitness applications for AR are seen through proper fitting techniques to improve athletic performance.  Some examples of companies already using AR Shoes Several popular shoe companies already use augmented reality technology to elevate customer experience, promote products using engaging marketing strategies and provide customization options.  For example, Nike offers virtual try-on shoes through Nike Fit, an AR-powered app where customers can scan their feet and receive a recommended shoe size. Other companies using AR in the shoe industry include Adidas, New Balance, Puma, and Under Armour.  Through a recently launched virtual try-on, Amazon customers can use AR technology to try on shoes before purchasing them. Amazon shoppers frequently purchase, try on and return clothing items. However, AR technology has the potential to significantly decrease the number of returns when using try-on features for shoes. Future of Augmented Reality shoes: what’s next for e-commerce? AR shopping is a game-changer for e-commerce. AR virtual try-on capabilities for shoes expand market reach, particularly for people who prefer to shop online. Shoe reselling platforms like GOAT now use AR technology.  Through ar try on shoes GOAT customers can even try on rare, collectible shoes, creating a fun, interactive experience for shoe lovers. Serving all mobile customers they offer a GOAT tryon feature for Android and iOS users.  Shoe brands jumping into the AR aspect of shoe marketing and e-commerce can explore AR shoes try-on GitHub projects allowing users access to AR try-on technology.  The potential for AR use in shoes, fashion, and many other industries is just getting started. There is an increasing demand and acceptance of advanced technology like AR. It offers cost-effective, engaging marketing and shopping experiences available in stores and online, enhancing customer experience and increasing the potential for sales.  Industries, including eyewear, cosmetics, manufacturing, education, and real estate, are a sample of business industries and sectors that can benefit from augmented reality.  How to get started with AR in shoe commerce: Zakeke AR is transforming the shoe industry through interactive marketing and shopping experiences. Shoe brands need to adopt AR technology to gain a competitive advantage. How to get started? This is where Zakeke steps in. Zakeke is a user-friendly platform providing companies with AR technology. Zakeke allows businesses to implement virtual try-on experiences for their customers using 360-degree product views. Custom branding creates a consistent look and feels, increasing brand recognition and helping establish customer loyalty. Zakeke seamlessly integrates with most leading e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Magento, Etsy, Wix, and many more. Ready to take your business to the next level with the power of Visual Commerce? Contact us today to learn more, or try our 14-day free trial to test it yourself.

Immersive art is a great way to experience art in a new and more engaging way. In the art and entertainment industry, experience is everything. That is what viewers are there for. They want to feel something because of the piece of art or performance. Immersive art experiences allow the viewers to experience the art in more than one way — which can create a more impactful experience overall. There are many immersive art experiences today, many of which move around to different cities. So, if you’re looking for an immersive art experience, 2023 has a lot to offer — and with the rising popularity of these experiences, we’re sure next year will have even more. What are Immersive Art Experiences? Immersive art is an interactive form of art that allows the viewers to have a more immersive experience in the art — rather than traditional art you typically view from a distance. This approach to art has a long history, dating back to the 1960s.  One example of immersive art in the ’60s is Yayoi Kusama’s first Infinity Mirror Room in 1965, shown in the Castellane Gallery in New York. Some recent examples include Hatsune Miku’s virtual reality performance at Coachella in 2020 and immersive art exhibits of traditional paintings — such as Monet and Picasso projections. If you are looking for popular immersive art experiences, Van Gogh’s exhibition is available in many locations in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Another popular option is Lighthouse Immersive — which offers a variety of immersive experiences from Mozart to Disney in its locations across the United States and Ontario, Canada. Types of Immersive Art Experience There are five common types of immersive art experiences. These are: You can find these experiences at many immersive art museums or galleries. VR and AR art experiences both play on reality. Augmented Reality offers an altered version of reality side by side with the real world — such as allowing viewers to see paintings in a new light or what something may have looked like when it was first made. Conversely, VR replaces reality with an alternate one — such as completely replacing your surroundings with a painting. Why are Immersive Art Experiences popular? The largest appeal of immersive experiences is that they allow viewers to experience stronger connections to art. Of course, there is no denying that traditional art will always have a place in our society, but there is something alluring about being able to be a part of the art rather than a bystander.  As technology advances and more museums, galleries, and performances adopt a more immersive experience approach, viewers are beginning to desire these experiences throughout the art and entertainment industry.  Characteristics of Immersive Art Experience As mentioned above, immersive art allows you to experience art in a new way — a way that traditional art cannot. Immersive art allows you to gain the following experiences from a single exhibit: The technology behind Immersive Art Experiences As mentioned above, there are a few different types of immersive art experiences, and each uses different techniques to achieve the “immersive” part of the experience. A lot of the time, however, AR, VR, or 3D visualization technology can play a large role in making an experience immersive. For example, Vocaloid concerts use AR and VR technology to project the stars onto the stage to sing and dance. These experiences are only possible today because of the advancements in 3D visualization technology. Immersive Art Experiences and e-commerce Now, you may wonder, how are immersive art experiences and e-commerce related? Simply put immersive art experiences and e-commerce utilize the same AR technology to better engage their audiences. While AR technology may be used in immersive art to bring a new perspective or experience to a traditional gallery showing, in e-commerce, it is typically used to help customers know better what they are buying. Many well-known brands use AR technology to create a more immersive experience for their customers. For example, IKEA Kreatif allows customers to create a 3D replica of their room and see how new furniture would fit.  Similarly, try-before-you-buy services, like Amazon’s virtual try-on for shoes, allow customers to see how a piece of clothing or other accessories would look on them before they buy it — thus increasing the likelihood that they will be happy with their purchase. Zakeke’s AR technology for e-commerce As consumers get more exposure to 3D visualization technology in the retail industry, they expect these features from other retailers. Unfortunately, this means that if you are not offering these features, you may lose out on customers that bring their business to another company that does offer these features.  Luckily, with the Zakeke Visual Commerce Platform you can easily create a digital catalog with 3D models so your customers can see your products from all angles like they would at a brick-and-mortar store. 3D visualization and AR help your customers feel more confident about their purchases (because they know what they are getting). In addition, it offers a more engaging shopping experience — like they would have if they were shopping in person. Ready to take your store to the next level with the power of Visual Commerce?

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have created quite a buzz in the tech world. Their applications in retail grow by the day, and organizations adopting them are seeing a quantum leap in revenue. According to Deloitte research, 90% of companies with annual revenues between $100 million and $1 billion are now leveraging AR and VR. Both VR and AR have great potential for industrial applications but are currently seeing the biggest growth in e-commerce and gaming. Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality: how do these technologies differ from each other?  In this guide, we’ll discuss VR and AR in detail and explain what Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are. We’ll also look into their application in e-commerce. Let’s dive in! What is Virtual Reality (VR)? Virtual Reality is a simulated experience that can be identical or different from the real world. By using appropriate hardware, VR allows users to be fully immersed in the virtual world. VR is achieved through the use of computerized systems to generate three-dimensional images that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way by users wearing specialized headsets. These headsets track a person’s movement, allowing them to see and interact with the virtual world in an immersive way. Most headsets have built-in audio, which allows users to hear what’s happening around them. How does Virtual Reality work? The focus of virtual reality is to simulate a new reality. By using appropriate hardware, users can see and interact with the virtual world. To explore and interact with 3D environments, the user utilizes computers and sensory devices like headsets, gloves, and controllers. Due to the special lenses in the headsets and controllers with sensors, users can experience the virtual world and interact with it as if they were in the real world. What is Augmented Reality? As the name implies, Augmented Reality (AR) augments a user’s surroundings by adding digital elements to a live object. It leverages technology to superimpose digital information on the user’s real-world view. Unlike Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality is accessed using common devices, such as mobile phones. It superimposes content, such as characters on top of a camera viewer or video, which most users have, making it more accessible and usable in retail and e-commerce. How does Augmented Reality work? Augmented Reality uses computer vision, mapping, and depth tracking to display appropriate content to the user. This way, all data is collected in real-time via a camera and processed directly. Using AR, the user’s physical environment is enhanced with digital content in real-time. Key differences between AR and VR While both VR and AR provide users with an immersive experience, each technology is unique and uses different equipment. So, what’s the main difference between them? The key difference is in the way they meet the user’s needs: Virtual Reality tends to replace the real world, while Augmented Reality attempts to add virtual elements to it by projecting digital content on top of the environment being viewed by the users. In other words, whereas VR replaces your vision, AR adds to it.  Also, since Virtual Reality focuses on total immersion, the devices used require shutting users off from the real world by blocking their field of view to project VR content instead. In contrast, it’s possible to use Augmented Reality in both 2D and 3D environments, such as on smartphones, so users don’t need to be shut off from the real world. Here are the key differences between VR and AR. Virtual Reality Purpose: the system replaces reality and simulates the virtual environment; Experience: VR is 75% virtual and 25% real; Degree of immersion: users are partially immersed in the action; Device: special equipment needed (VR headsets, controllers, gloves, etc.); Enhancement target: VR enhances a fictional reality; Control of the senses: users are controlled by the system. Augmented Reality Purpose: the system adds digital information to augment the real-world environment; Experience: AR is 25% virtual and 75% real; Degree of immersion: users are fully immersed in the action; Device: no special devices are needed. A smartphone is enough to experience AR; Enhancement target: AR enhances both real and virtual worlds; Control of the senses: users can control their presence in the real world. How to use AR and VR in e-commerce? Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are extensively being used in today’s business world. From retail stores to the automotive industry to designers, brands are harnessing the power of VR and AR to improve Customer Experience, boost sales, and achieve a competitive edge. Augmented Reality vs VR: here are some examples of brands using them in their e-commerce stores. IKEA IKEA, a global home furnishing retailer, has taken the front seat in adopting AR. In 2017, the retail giant launched the “IKEA Place” app that lets customers experience the benefits of AR through their phones. Through the IKEA Place app, shoppers can envision IKEA furniture in their homes by overlaying a 3D representation of the furniture with a live video stream of their homes. Gucci Gucci, one of the most important international fashion & luxury brands, was one of the first brands to leverage Augmented Reality in its stores nationwide. The Italian fashion brand added an AR feature to the Gucci app – a feature that allows users to “try on” sneakers.  Users can virtually try on products through the app, a feature that gives them a visual representation of how the product will look on them in real life. Wayfair IKEA isn’t the only furniture company leveraging AR. In 2020, Wayfair introduced an enhanced version of its “View in Room” app to improve the Shopping Experience of its customers. The AR-enabled app allows customers to see how the furniture would look in their home and whether it will fit their space. For furniture retailers, the use of AR can significantly drive sales. Research has shown that consumers are 11 times more likely to purchase furniture if they can see what it would look like in their homes using AR.  And