10 brands that are using Augmented Reality technology to engage customers
Augmented Reality technology has been the go-to marketing tool for various brands. AR for brands not only engages the audience in a new and exciting way but also helps in enhancing brand awareness. In this article, we are going to mention 10 brands that are leveraging the power of augmented reality.
Red Bull
Red Bull, a brand of energy drink, launched a series of augmented reality games titled ‘Discover your wiiings’. The game features five red bull athletes and gives players the chance to win various goodies such as a custom activation surfboard, skateboard, custom computer case, custom helmet and remote-control car.
In order to play the game, the players have to download the AR app. Next, select an athlete and scan a can or a pack of Red Bull Energy Drink to unlock the experience.
The game begins with a virtual circular track allowing players to surf epic waves, skateboard through a street park and race across a dirt track. The top-scoring player of each game will win a grand prize with one of the athletes, a custom sports item or signature merchandise.
Pepsi
Pepsi is using AR in many ways. One is AR advertising campaigns which allow consumers to create interactive experiences. For example, Pepsi’s ‘For the love of It’ campaign lets users treat any blue surface, such as a Pepsi can, as an augmented reality screen for creative purposes.
Additionally, Pepsi is using AR to engage and surprise concert-goers. For example, Pepsi launched its first AR concert on a bottle in collaboration with a popular Malaysian singer.
To access the feature, users can pick up a bottle of Pepsi black raspberry, scan the bottle with a phone and the concert will play.
Walmart
Walmart is using two augmented reality features within its app. The first feature allows consumers to view furniture and home decor items in their homes. The second feature is AR-in-store, allowing consumers to view vital product information.
To access the furniture and home decor items, users have to click on the ‘view in your space’ banner while shopping from the Walmart app. The feature entails haptic feedback, which allows customers to feel the vibration when they pick and place the 3D models around their house.
With the AR-in-store feature users will be able to see virtual information about the food ingredients overlay on top of the packaging and easily identify gluten-free products.
Zalando
German online retailer company, Zalando, is using an AR virtual try-on from messaging app, Snapchat. Using the lenses on the app, users can visualize various selected products from Zalando’s own brands Even & Odd, Zign and Your Turn.
In order to see the AR experience, Snapchat users have to take their full body photo and upload it on the app. Next, once the users select the garment they want to try, the product will fit into the photo. While doing so, it removes the wrinkles and creases from the clothes, thus creating a realistic impression.
Finally, if the consumers like the product they can be redirected to the Zalando app.
Volvo
Volvo is using Augmented Reality for its truck manufacturing division. With Volvo augmented reality app ‘Volvo Truck Builder’ consumers can view their next Volvo truck right in front of them.
Not only consumers can choose the model, color, trim level and headlight of the truck but also view the interiors and have a seat behind the steering wheel.
Once configured, the AR truck can be placed anywhere from the house and garage to the parking lot. Furthermore, the size of the truck can be scaled by the user.
Philips
Philips is using Augmented Reality technology for its image-guided therapy product, ClarifEye to support precise planning and effective guidance for accurate screw placement.
This 3D AR navigation system helps surgeons in spinal navigation and avoid fragile neurological and vascular structures close to the spine. Rather than going for an open surgery where surgeons manually manipulate patients’ spine, AR technology improves precision of screw insertion.
Data published in Science Reports demonstrated that augmented reality surgical navigation performed better in accuracy than open surgery pedicle screw placement without 3D navigation.
IKEA
The Swedish company IKEA is using augmented reality to let consumers try out furniture in their homes. The AR app is called Ikea Place which lets users visualize a commodity before making a purchase.
Once a user opens the app, it showcases a catalog which consists of 3000 products. Once the user selects a product, it scales it to the size of the room’s dimensions. From the doormat and dining table to the sofa, all of the products in IKEA Place are 3D and can be placed on the floor.
The updated version of the app contains a feature called ‘ visual search’ which allows customers to upload pictures of furniture they like and find similar ones in the catalog.
Loreal
Personal care company, L’Oreal is using AR to let its followers virtually try on various makeup products such as lipsticks, eyeliner, foundation and much more.
For example, L’Oreal Professionnel announced the launch of the first 3D AR hair colour tester which allowed users to try on new hair colours in real-time. It offers accurate visuals by detecting users’ hair strand by strands.
The app is a game-changer for users who are consulting with their colourist, as they can get true visualization of how their hair would look before commencing the process.
Arsenal AR
The professional football club, Arsenal FC, created a large-scale AR experience for its fans. It features Arsenal superstars Mesut Ozil, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Alex Iwobi.
The experience starts with the host inviting a user inside a caged arena and telling them to select their favourite player. Next, the host redirects the player to a designated marker in front of the mirror. This enables the selected players to come next to the user inside the mirror and encourages them to show soccer skills.
When the game is finished then the selected player responds with a special signature gesture along with a photo opportunity with the user.
Adidas AR
Adidas has integrated AR technology to facilitate virtual try-on so that consumers can try out shoes without having to set foot inside the store.
It gives consumers an idea of how shoes will look on their feet. Doing this not only helps the company to enhance consumer experience and manage their expectations but also prevents churn rate.
The AR feature is tied to Adidas running shoes Alphaedge 4D and users can activate the experience by visiting the product page within the app.
According to a research conducted by Snapchat, Augmented Reality technology will become more important for brands and retailers who are looking to connect with young audiences as it enhances brand awareness, boost recall and sales.
