What is an augmented reality app?

An augmented reality application is a web, mobile, or desktop application that overlays digital information on top of a real-world view. Augmented reality apps are particularly useful for training and education applications that overlay instructions on top of physical objects to make it easier to learn how to use them. For example, an augmented reality app might show a user how to assemble an IKEA chair by overlaying step-by-step instructions right onto the chair itself. Augmented reality apps are mostly used to create digital layers for physical objects. This is similar to how most virtual reality apps create digital layers for real-world environments. Popular augmented reality apps include Pokemon Go, Snapchat, and Instagram filters. Examples of augmented reality apps built with Crowdbotics:

• A mobile AR that lets 100 people play the game-a leader will create the lobby and users nearby can join. The perimeter of the game will be set by the leader on a map. The goal is to turn everyone red.
• An app that can superimpose $10k (super high end) frames and glasses onto customers to show what their purchase will look like on them. The app will be doing all this as part of a live chat conference.
• An AR app for a logistics company. The user receives a quote based on information imputed by the carrier on his log in. If accepted, the carrier receives a notification with all the information including the AR image. Carrier and user can then chat through the app.

What is the typical cost to build an augmented reality app?

An augmented reality app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. An augmented reality app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality. For example, here are some previous augmented reality app price quotes from Crowdbotics:

• $18,000
• $25,000
• $22,500

How long does it take to build an augmented reality app?

An augmented reality app usually takes 291 hours to build. However, an augmented reality app can be built in as few as 133 hours, or in as many as 533 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms. For example, some previous augmented reality apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:

• 240
• 333
• 300

How to successfully grow your augmented reality application

An augmented reality game can grow its user base by incentivizing users to invite their friends to play with them. A single player is unlikely to spend a lot of time playing an augmented reality game, but if they are able to talk about the game with friends who also enjoy it, then they will be more likely to make regular visits. Augmented reality games can also take advantage of promotional offers like free in-game currency, which users can use to exchange for virtual goods and rewards.

Risks and challenges of building an augmented reality application

Gaming apps face legal and reputational risks associated with intellectual property infringement, the potential for user addiction, and the storage of sensitive personal information. It is recommended that gaming apps include parental controls to prevent children from purchasing in-app content without permission. Additionally, gaming apps should consider whether they are subject to laws governing online gambling or gambling devices, and determine whether they will need to obtain gambling licenses in each jurisdiction where the app is offered. Gaming apps should have robust mechanisms for reporting platform abuse and conduct routine security audits to prevent unauthorized access to user data.