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Juniper Research predicts the growth of augmented reality applications

 

Juniper Research report paints a promising 2013 for augmented reality applications

A new report from Juniper Researchaugmented reality technology paints a promising future for augmented reality applications. Augmented reality is growing in popularity as an interactive technology and has been taking the mobile world by storm. The technology has won favor amongst consumers and marketers because of its dynamic capabilities. It has also begun making its way into the mobile commerce industry, though its uses therein have been sparse and limited in scope thus far. Over the next year, augmented reality applications are expected to see massive growth.

Augmented reality applications to generate more than $300 million in global revenue

According to the report from Juniper Research, augmented reality applications will generate more than $300 million in global revenue by the end of 2013. Traditional pay-per-download applications will be a major contributor to this growth, but retailers are beginning to become more interested in augmented reality and offering services using the technology to consumers for free. The report notes that retailers have been spending more on in-app advertising in 2012, a trend that is expected to pick up momentum throughout 2013.

Retailers growing more serious about augmented reality

In-app advertisements have long been an effective marketing tactic to engage consumers that make use of mobile applications. By adding augmented reality into the mix, these advertisements are made much more engaging, allowing markers to provide consumers with more dynamic digital content. Retailers have taken note of the potential that the technology has in this regard and are beginning to experiment with offering augmented reality content to consumers The report suggests that many retailers consider augmented reality as the key to getting in touch with a new generation of consumer.

Low awareness may hurt engagement potential

Juniper Research does caution against the low awareness many consumers have regarding augmented reality. Though the technology is growing in popularity, much of the attention it receives comes primarily from tech-savvy consumers that are already comfortable with the kind of interactivity it offers. Those that are not familiar with augmented reality are not likely to be enthralled by the technology, so retailers and other companies interested in the use of the technology may have to consider ways to raise awareness.

Infineon Technologies aims to improve NFC technology

 

Infineon Technologies Digital Contactless Bridge interface gaining momentum around the world

Infineon Technologies, a leadimobile commerce nfc technologyng developer of semiconductors and micro-technologies, has announced that its Digital Contactless Bridge interface is quickly becoming the de facto standard in regards to NFC technology. The high performance communication interface has been seeing wide adoption from various companies interested in making use of NFC technology in some way. Because the technology is capable of making NFC interactions more fluid and convenient, it may  be well on its way to becoming a staple in industries like mobile commerce and marketing.

Interface allows for fast and secure connections

The Digital Contactless Bridge interface provides fast and secure connection between NFC devices. This is invaluable for NFC-based applications that rely on a high degree of security and a quick connection, such as mobile payment platforms. According to Infineon Technologies, their new interface is capable of supporting peak data rates for these type of mobile applications beyond 848 kilobits per second. This is much higher than conventional interfaces that are still widely used for mobile commerce.

Technology free and universally available

One of the most attractive qualities of the new interface is that it is free. Infineon Technologies is a strong advocate for open solutions that will make services like mobile payments more convenient and secure for consumers. The interface is globally available, which has contributed to its widespread adoption. Companies that have incorporated the new interface include Texas Instruments, INSIDE Secure, and MicroPross.

Advances in NFC technology could attract new support

NFC technology is often criticized as being dated, despite the fact that the technology is only roughly 8 years old, having first emerged in 2004. Some companies, such as Apple and PayPal, have chosen to sidestep NFC technology because they believe it is not capable of meeting the needs of modern consumers. Infineon Technologies is one of the companies working to improve NFC technology and ensure that it is more capable in meeting these needs. With the new interface widely available, NFC may be slated to become much more popular and regain some of the support it has lost recently.