In the past, AR had its challenges. Today, it’s a game changer.
When augmented reality (AR) first popped in tourism, it seemed like the future had finally arrived. But as exciting as it was, there were quite a few bumps in the road that made it hard to use – and, honestly, a bit frustrating. Fast forward to today, and wow, have things changed! Let’s take a walk down memory lane and compare how AR used to be with how it works today. Spoiler alert: it’s so much better now.
- Holding Your Phone Like a Statue
Back Then: Using AR for longer than a minute meant holding your phone in front of your face until your arms felt like they were going to fall off. Plus, it didn’t help that you’d get awkward stares from people wondering what on earth you were doing, pointing your phone around like a weirdo. Parents with kids would glance at you suspiciously, thinking that you were trying to take pictures of them.
Now: Phones are lighter and more comfortable to hold these days. But here’s the fun part – we’ve all kind of gotten used to walking around with our phones out anyways! Think about it: we take photos, check maps, text friends… Everyone’s doing it, and nobody’s giving you side-eye anymore for looking at your phone. Using AR doesn’t feel awkward at all now, and the experience is seamless without needing to hold anything up.
- The Battery Panic
Back then: Turning on your camera and using AR would drain your battery faster than you could say ”augmented reality”. By the time you finished exploring one or two spots, you’d be looking for the nearest outlet.
Now: These days, life is much better, and even if you’re on a long day of sightseeing, portable chargers have your back. If we are being honest, nobody leaves the house without one! So you can explore all the AR features you want without worrying about your phone dying halfway through your adventure.
- Processing Power: The Old Sloth of AR
Back then: Early phones struggled to keep up with the demands of AR. It felt like your phone was moving in slow motion, and everything lagged behind, making the experience pretty clunky.
Now: With today’s powerful processors, AR runs smoothly and looks amazing. Whether you’re checking out a 3D model of an ancient building or getting real-time info about a monument, it all happens instantly and seamlessly. No more waiting for things to load or glitch out while you’re trying to enjoy the moment.
4.No more ”AR Arm” Syndrome
Back Then: Holding your phone for long periods was exhausting. It was like an arm workout you didn’t ask for.
Now: With lighter devices and the way we’ve integrated phone use into our daily lives, this isn’t an issue anymore. You don’t have to worry about your arms getting tired from holding up your phone while using AR.
5. That sunlight Struggle Was Real
Back then: If you’ve ever tried using AR outside on a sunny day, you probably remember how impossible it was to see anything on your screen. The sun would turn your phone into a shiny mirror, and all those cool details you were supposed to see? They vanished. And when it wasn’t the sun, it was the screen size – small displays made it hard to spot any important details on AR overlay.
Now: Thankfully, phones have come a long way, They’re not only brighter and sharper, but also much bigger! Today’s larger screen allows you to actually see everything clearly – even in direct sunlight. So, whether you’re wandering through a historic site or exploring a city square, AR is way more usable. No more squinting or hiding in the shade to figure out what’s on your screen!
So, Why is AR So Much Better Now?
Back in the day, AR had a lot of potential in tourism, but it also came with a lot of frustration. You couldn’t see anything in the sun, your arms got tired, and your battery life? Forget about it. But today, it’s a whole different story. Phones are lighter, faster, bigger, and easier to use, and with better batteries and portable chargers. AR has become a fun and practical tool for exploring the world.
And if you’re still not convinced? Remember when Pokemon Go took the world by storm? Suddenly, everyone was outside, eyes glued to their phones, hunting for Pikachu and other Pokemon in the real world. It was a game changer, making AR not just a cool tech concept but a fun, everyday experience. If you’ve played it (or even just watched others), you’ve already experienced AR in a way that’s fun, accessible, and addictive. Now, imagine that same tech helping you uncover hidden historical facts or quiding you around a new city. That’s the magic of AR in tourism today.
