The future is definitely now! Augmented reality or AR is part of our lives. It is so much part of our everyday lives that we can even use AR in apps on our smartphones! We have researched the 15 coolest AR apps for you to try out to really dive into a new world that will mix up with your world in a fascinating way!
Are you not sure what augmented reality even means? Do not worry, we are here to explain it to you. Basically, augmented reality is a technology that gives you a computer-generated image that will then fade into your actual world through the lens of your smartphone, for example. But you will see as soon as you try out these amazing apps!
1. Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go started a huge hype! It is the perfect app for any Pokémon fan, it gets you outside, and it is just a super fun way to get some steps in! Over a billion people have already downloaded the app, so chances are that you already have tried the app. But if you have not, we would definitely recommend you to try it!
The goal of the app is basically to catch as many Pokémon as possible. Through your smartphone, you can see them, but you can also see your surroundings. It basically looks like the Pokémon are actually in front of you!
2. Ikea place
We all love Ikea and its Swedish furniture and meatballs, right? With Ikea place, you can almost get that experience without even leaving your house! The app is pretty genius, especially if you are looking to buy new furniture.
You can place Ikea furniture in your apartment or house with that app to figure out if something is the right fit for your place. Or to figure out what kind of color you should get that Billy shelves in! You have so many options with that app!
The only thing you cannot get with that app is the experience of the great food at Ikea.
3. Houzz
Are you moving soon? It does not matter if you are moving into a dorm, your first real apartment, or even a house. Moving always comes with interior decisions – no matter how big or small they might be!
This is where Houzz comes into play. Houzz will help you with furnishing your new place! The AR technology of the app helps you to figure out what kind of furniture would actually look good in your home and where it would be best to place it! Thanks to the 3D technology of the app, it all looks so real, and you can plan your interior design without even moving a finger. Well, except the finger on your phone.
4. YouCam MakeUp
Do you want to try a whole new makeup look, but you do not feel like buying new things for it? Especially, if you are unsure if you would even like that shade of lipstick on your or that kind of eyeshadow.
Augmented reality apps can even help you with that. Crazy, isn’t it? The best thing about YouCam MakeUp is that it actually has the shades of so many brands! You can just try that lipstick, the foundation, or the bronzer in the app and if you like it, you can buy it and be sure that you love the color and that you will use the product! The AR of the app will make it look like you are actually wearing makeup.
It is almost like magic!
5. Snapchat
Yes, you have read that right! The beloved Snapchat also uses AR tricks within the app.
That classic dog filter? It is all AR! For those of you who are not familiar with Snapchat: It basically is a social media app that lets you send photos to friends. You snap the photo and then send it immediately. But to use the AR tricks, you can put a filter on your face that will make you look like a dog or a unicorn.
Snapchat includes new filters all the time, so for Snapchat users that is very exciting!
6. Zombie, run!
Do you feel unmotivated to go for your morning run? Well, we might just have some motivation for you and it, of course, comes in the form of an augmented reality app.
Zombies run is an app that you use while you are going for a run. It simulates that you are in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. The app comes with narration and items that you have to collect on your journey. And you better run before those zombies come and get you!
The app also tracks your running, your pace, and your path! Perfect for everyone who likes to make an adventure out of the daily things, we do in our lives.
7. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
This augmented reality app is a must-have for every single Potterhead out there!
This is an adventure and story-based game with AR effects. That makes the whole gaming experience not only a lot more exciting but also a lot more real!
You will be a wizard, who has to solve riddles, fight the enemies and collect things to save the world of wizards. And you will also meet some of your favorite and beloved characters while you! This is definitely fun, so give it a try. Over 100000 people have already played and loved it.
8. Jurassic World Alive
Are you sad that the dinosaurs are extinct? Regarding our safety, that is probably for the best anyway. However, augmented reality makes it possible for you to get dinosaurs into your life!
This game is amazing for fans of the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films. It is named after Jurassic World, after all. The game experience is similar to Pokémon Go and thanks to the AR it will actually look like the dinosaurs are a part of your world!
You even get to create your own raptor and can fight other players in real-time with your raptor! This game is awesome, and you should definitely give it a try if you are into dinosaurs at all.
9. Egg, Inc.
Would you like to have a farm with farm animals like chickens? While this sounds like a fun lifestyle, this is actually a lot of work as well. How about we tell you that you can have the best of both worlds? The chickens, but also the lifestyle that does not involve you being responsible for the well-being of actual chickens?
Once again, augmented reality makes it possible! The app Egg, Inc. lets you have chickens in your own home. They can lay eggs and hatch them. And you can slowly build up your farm! Super fun for kids and grown-up farmers!
10. AR Cat
Are you more into cats than chickens? No problem, there is an app for that! You can pet your cat with it, feed it, and even collect up to 23 cats! This is the ideal app for everyone, who loves cats but maybe does not have the time or place to actually get a real cat.
Each of the cats in the game has its own personality and things they like and dislike. Find out about these things and make your cats as happy as possible! And they also look super cute. Definitely a game that warms the heart and soul of everyone who plays it.
11. MyARGalaxy – Solar System
Who is not fascinated by the solar system? This AR app helps you to explore it a little more.
The app has interactive maps that will help you to understand the solar system better and that will help you learn. The AR mode will make it possible for you to feel like you are in space. If you print the maps you can use that mode. There are free options available, but also ones that you are going to have to buy if you want to access them.
The app is great for kids and adults! Super fun for everyone who is interested in space.
12. Devar
Do you have kids that constantly want to be entertained with a screen? But you feel like it is bad parenting to let them watch TV all the time?
There is an AR app that brings together fun and learning new things on the screen! You can show your kids different animals and even dinosaurs, and it will feel like those animals are just casually standing in your living room!
It is always great if you can combine fun and the process of learning something new. And this app definitely makes that possible. Your kids can also draw with that app, read stories, and play mini-games. What are you waiting for – download it!
13. Geocaching
Have you ever heard of geocaching? It basically is like looking for a treasure. And the map for it is on your phone!
The best thing about geocaching is that there actually is a treasure waiting for you! People are hiding things all over the world and with the help of this app, you can go and find them – and then also hide treasures for other people to find.
The best thing about this whole concept is that you are getting in nature and experiencing a real-life adventure. All thanks to this great app that connects people from all over the world so easily.
14. The Walking Dead: Our World
Are you a fan of the hit series The Walking Dead? Then you are definitely in for a treat.
There is also a multiplayer option if you want to play with friends. This is a shooter game, so you cannot play if you are under the age of 18.
The concept of the game is basically that you go outside, and then you look for zombies through your phone and shoot them if you see them! That is a great way to make your daily walks a little more exciting. And who cares that people might think you are crazy? All that matters is that you have fun while doing it!
15. Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
If you like Angry Birds, you will love this elevated version of the game! This game is ideal for young and old – it is just like Angry Birds but including your living room or wherever you choose to play this fun game!
Definitely give it a try.
So, the only question left is: which one of these apps will you be trying first?
