Augmented reality (AR) has been knocking around for a few years. From the Pokémon Go craze to Google Pixel’s Star Wars stickers, more and more tech companies have started experimenting with different ways to use AR to bring objects and characters to life.

Now, Shopify have brought AR technology to their ecommerce platform.

Following on from Apple’s AR Quick Look announcement, Shopify has enabled 3D models to be viewable in AR through Safari browsers on iOS 12 devices. By giving retailers a simple way to reinvent their shopping experience, Shopify is leading the charge in AR technology.

Welcome to selling in the 21st century.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality is an enhanced version of reality, involving ‘augmented’ images and 3D models which are superimposed over our view of the real world. These superimposed images are viewable through a compatible device (usually a smartphone or tablet) and enable consumers to see products at a 360-degree view.

Since its inception, hundreds of industries have found real-world uses for augmented reality. The military have already started using AR to display data to fighter pilots, and medical schools have been using it to improve sensory perception in surgery.

In the last couple of years, ecommerce brands have started to dip their toe in the world of AR. And now, Shopify have made it easier than ever for retailers to bring their products to life.

Augmented reality & For Goodness Shakes

At Juno, we’re obsessed with the latest tech – which is why we decided to experiment with Shopify’s augmented reality for ourselves.

Teaming up with For Goodness Shakes, one of our recent Juno + Shopify stores to launch, our designers made a digital 3D model of one of the brand’s protein shakes. Once we’d loaded the model into the brand’s development store, we could use an iPhone to place the protein shake anywhere in our office.

Try before you buy

By having a 3D model of your products, customers can superimpose items from their basket anywhere around their home.

With the ability to rotate products 360 degrees, augmented reality gives customers the option to ‘try before they buy’. Not only does this help retailers create an incredible shopping experience, but it also helps them reduce return rates by letting customers get a clearer idea of what a product looks like.

With brands like Ikea, Topshop and Sephora already experimenting with augmented reality, it’s looking set to be the next big thing in ecommerce. Whether it’s trying on virtual clothes in a mirror or seeing how a coffee table would look in your living room, AR is transforming the way we shop.

Shopify’s AR is still in its early days, and is currently only available on iOS 12 devices – but it’s expected to launch on Android in 2019.

Get AR for your Shopify site

Looking to get augmented reality for your store? Get in touch today and find out more about how Juno can help you strengthen your customer experience and bring your products to life.

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