On Sept. 22, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, the latest iterations of Apple’s iconic smartphone, went on sale around the world.

“iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are a new generation of iPhone that improves on everything we love about iPhone,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing. “iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have new glass and aluminum designs, new Retina HD displays and A11 Bionic – the smartest chip ever in a smartphone. Packed with more advanced cameras with Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, and the highest quality video capture in a smartphone, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus enable the freedom of wireless charging, all with AR optimization like no phone ever before.”

This emphasis on augmented reality technology is not only an exciting development for Apple, but it reflects the growing possibilities of the tech for mainstream commercial use, particularly within the world of event audio visual planning.

Augmented reality and the iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 has all the elements required for a top-of-the-line AR experience. Its cameras are specially calibrated to track motion. A11 Bionic provides scene recognition, world tracking, real-time lighting estimation and exemplary graphics to round out the package. In addition, the device runs iOS 11, which supplies a new platform for developers who want to create apps that layer elements of virtual reality over the real world.

The augmented reality applications for the new iPhone are numerous. Take directional instructions and signage, for example. Instead of having to look down at the screen and then back up at the surroundings to determine where to go next, the screen can now show users the environment in real time with an arrow overlaid that points them in the right direction.

The event applications of AR tech

As the iPhone 8 demonstrates, the commercial applications of AR are growing. This trend is also apparent in the event planning industry, where planning professionals have more options than ever before when it comes to using augmented reality in order to create the perfect attendee experience.

Current applications include:

  • Illustrating keynote addresses.
  • Enhancing venue spaces with geo-based demonstrations.
  • Demonstrating products.
  • Displaying information.
  • Creating event-specific games.
  • Promoting events.

As AR tech progresses, anticipate seeing your attendee’s mobile phones play a prominent role in creating the interactive experience at your events.

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