In the last two decades, we have seen massive technological advancements in almost all sectors of the economy; particularly the entertainment industry. This entertainment industry has grown to be more engaging and realistic, thanks to augmented reality.

Augmented reality makes use of real world elements to add or replace them with virtual elements in a game. A good example of this is how Snapchat allows you to add a number of features like cat’s ears to your face as you record a video.

In this article, we shall focus on the various changes augmented reality has brought into the entertainment industry.

Let’s delve into specifics.

•    Film and TV production
Augmented reality has made films more real. Any successful augmented reality production company knows how to make use of interactive TV to give audiences customized information that is close to what the viewers are already watching. This makes shows more immersive, better than any 3D glasses would ever imagine.

Apart from film, the television industry has become broader, thanks to augmented reality. It has also become more immersive and entertaining. The once boring television has now become an extension of the internet; a place where you can get lots of video content with a click of a button. In 2014 is when augmented reality TV made headlines; when integration between TV programs and related web content became a reality.

Additionally, many television channels are making use of augmented reality in their weather forecasts and sports channels. In sports, AR has enabled sports viewers see graphic overlays that ensure better viewing of play narratives during a match.

•    PR and Marketing
Surprising enough, augmented reality has been at the forefront of marketing and PR initiatives. From televisions to pictures and other promotional campaigns, these applications are making use of real-life object recognition.

Besides, they make use of printed graphics whereby an installed software identifies a unique symbol with the help of webcams or cell phone cameras.

•    Print publications
Normally, we would expect the older generation and the affluent to be the most predominant group that takes keen interest in newspapers and magazines. However, with the help of augmented reality, print publications are seeing a new dawn.

Augmented reality has made it possible for additional content and functionality to be enabled into these publications. This has attracted the younger generation into taking interest in them.

For instance, some newspapers tried enabling ticket sales. This, however, is only possible if AR features are active on a user’s smartphone.

With AR, print publication advertising is able to provide the end buyer with a new and catchy experience.

•    Mobile assistance
Mobile devices have now become an integral part of our day to day lives. It has helped people, especially those in the entertainment industry, with endless opportunities to reach their audiences from wherever. It has also allowed seamless engagement between people.
Augmented reality allows users to explore certain locations on their smartphones; locations that have graphical overlays. This is especially important for tourists and other travelers as AR will give them new travel locations to experience, together with enriched cultural information.