AR is taking over as Facebook adds it to Messenger app

In recent years, augmented reality has found its way into all corners of the digital and mobile world. From fun and creative filters introduced by Snapchat to immersive games like Pokémon Go, app developers have introduced a wide range of new platforms and features that have pushed the industry forward. Alongside the advancements in smartphone technology and camera quality, AR technology has helped brands create more engaging content and unique user experiences.

The latest in the long line of major app developers to integrate AR technology into their service is Facebook. The social media giant has spent a lot of time and effort in recent years improving their mobile platform by introducing new features and trends that have grown rapidly in popularity. Following in the footsteps of Snapchat and Instagram, the developers at Facebook introduced the ‘stories’ feature which allows users to upload daily content within the Messenger app. Now it seems that Facebook is also jumping on the AR bandwagon.

A week ago, Facebook announced that it would be introducing a new set of augmented reality features into its Messenger app; an update the company is calling ‘world effects’. The main feature of the new addition will be the ability for users to render 3D objects and place them in a live video or photograph to create the unique content and increase the sharability of user-generated media. This isn’t the first time Facebook has added AR functionality to its Messenger app – it will build upon the face-detection filters that are already part of the app.

The addition of this new feature illustrates an attempt by Facebook to stay up to date with the latest digital trends and create a more engaging app with features that promote increased usage. There is a lesson to be learned here for any new developers or businesses looking to increase customer engagement. Creating a well-rounded under experience by adding new layers to your digital interface and always looking for ways to innovate is vital.

There is a growing amount of competition in the mobile industry when it comes to augmented reality. Not only has Snapchat continued to innovate and improve its use of AR but the release of Apple’s latest iOS, which includes advanced AR features, shows that the technology isn’t just a passing fad.