An increasing number of retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores are turning to immersive technology such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) to better showcase their products. One company which has embraced AR and VR is online retail platform Shopify, who are now seeking to expand the capabilities of the platform with Apple’s newly enhances AR technology.
Shopify is a Canadian company that is using AR technology to allow customers to get a better look at the products they are interested in buying.
Shopify have announced that it has integrated the new AR Quick Look feature, one of the new features that form part of the new ARKit 2 toolset. AR Quick Look was introduced at an Apple event alongside the new iPhone XS, and ARKit 2 is integrated into iOS 1.
By utilising AR Quick Look, companies and brands will be able to upload 3D models of their products which users will be able to tap on and view from within the Safari web browser in order to see the objects projected into real world environments.
While this kind of AR had been available previously, it usually required a separate app download, whereas ARKit 2 allows it to be integrated into the browser, creating a more seamless experience for users.
Shopify are set to re-affirm its commitment to AR technology with the new feature, as Daniel Beauchamp, AR/VR lead at Shopify has said previously: “We strongly believe that virtual reality and augmented reality will fundamentally shift how we shop in the future.”
As iOS 12 rolls out to more users, it is expected that more companies and brands will be implementing the new AR features into their websites and portals to allow users to try out items such as furniture, clothing and make-up.
For future coverage on Shopify and ARKit, keep checking back with VRFocus.