Top 10 Game-Changing VR/AR Applications for Mobile Apps to Watch

In this blog post, we share the top 10 AR and VR applications that help promising startups and entrepreneurs like you improve business performance, innovate, and stand out among competitors.

 

Augmented and virtual reality in mobile apps are advanced technologies that completely change how businesses operate, opening up new possibilities for innovation. 

 

Whether you need to improve customer experiences, optimize operations, or develop groundbreaking products, understanding how to implement AR and VR in your business is vital.

 

We’ve been building AR and VR apps for years, and we've learned a lot. Our team is excited to share this knowledge with you.

 

In this article, we answer key questions such as:

 

• How are AR/VR applications being used in business today?
• What benefits can AR and VR bring to your company?
• How can Onix support you in implementing AR or VR solutions?

 

Use Cases of VR and AR in Today’s Market

Exploring augmented reality and virtual reality uses can open up innovative possibilities for enhancing user experiences across various industries.

 

Let’s take a look at some practical augmented and virtual reality use cases:

 

Retail and eCommerce

AR and VR technologies are changing how customers shop, offering fresh, interactive ways to engage with products:

 

• Virtual try-ons. AR lets customers try on clothes and accessories virtually, enhancing online shopping.

 

For example, we developed an augmented reality app to let customers try on a watch virtually. Users place a printed marker on their wrist, and the app uses this to display a virtual watch on their screen, letting them see how different models and materials look on their wrist.

 

 

• Product visualization. An augmented reality application shows how products look in a customer’s home, reducing returns.

 

• Immersive shopping. Virtual reality applications offer virtual stores for a 3D shopping experience from anywhere.

 

• Interactive displays. AR adds extra info to product labels, enhancing understanding.

 

Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation is one of the most vivid examples of augmented reality usage. This AR app allows users to walk around a store with a smartphone and see routes by which they can quickly find the wanted products on their screens. 

 

 

• Personalized recommendations. AR suggests products based on user preferences.

 

There are many compelling examples of augmented reality applications, including Nike. Their app enables users to scan their feet and get hyper-accurate sizing recommendations. This feature makes shoppers not afraid to mistake the size and safely buy shoes online. Just see for yourself.

 

 

• Real-time customization. AR allows customers to customize products and see their changes instantly, speeding up decision-making.

 

Read also: Benefits and Use Cases of Augmented Reality in Shopping And Retail

 

Education and training

AR and VR provide interactive learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods:

 

• Immersive learning in a safe space. Virtual reality applications offer interactive classrooms or training spaces where students can explore and practice complex topics, such as simulating surgeries, building and testing virtual models of machines, practicing takeoffs and landings in a virtual cockpit, and many more.

 

For example, the Onix team developed a VR-based ship simulator that provides a fully immersive experience with realistic water and vessel physics.

VR ship simulator made by Onix 

 

• Interactive learning. Students can see 3D models of molecules, historical artifacts, or machinery parts right before them, helping to visualize and understand complex subjects.

 

Read also: How to Create Virtual Reality Training Solution

 

• Personalized learning experiences. Applications of virtual reality create realistic learning scenarios, while AR offers instant feedback and additional resources that meet each person’s needs.

 

• Gamified learning. AR and VR can turn learning into an engaging game, increasing motivation and retention. Educational games and simulations make learning fun while reinforcing key concepts.

 

Real estate

Below, we show how augmented reality and virtual reality uses are enhancing the real estate industry: 

 

• Virtual property tours. VR allows potential buyers to explore homes, offices, or commercial spaces in detail without needing to visit in person, saving time and expanding reach.

 

Below, you can see how we created interior visualization using VR technologies:

 

 

• Enhanced property visualization. AR enables users to place virtual furniture in a room or visualize architectural changes. This helps buyers and investors better understand a property's potential.

 

• Remote collaboration. Virtual reality applications facilitate remote partnerships on projects for real estate developers. Teams can walk through virtual models of buildings to review designs, make decisions, and solve problems without being on-site.

Virtual reality in construction management

 

• Customizable property showcases. VR allows potential buyers to customize properties by changing colors, materials, or layouts in a virtual environment, offering a personalized experience that can help close deals faster.

 

Onix built a designer-configurator of apartments in virtual reality mode, where users don’t just view homes; they shape them according to their vision:

 

• seamlessly switch between day and night modes
• customize every detail
• interact with realistic objects in a dynamic 3D environment.

VR app for interior design created by Onix

 

Healthcare

Healthcare is seeing new improvements thanks to AR and VR, which provide innovative approaches to patient care, training, and treatment:

 

• Medical training and education. VR provides a safe environment for medical students and professionals to practice complex procedures.

 

The Onix team built a VR application for medical students and interns that offers interactive training in realistic hospital scenarios. Medical students are placed in realistic scenarios to evaluate their knowledge and skills in a near-real environment.

VR medical training solution built by Onix

 

• Enhanced surgical precision. During procedures, AR technology directly displays vital details, like 3D organ and blood vessel visuals, on the patient.

 

• Enhanced diagnostics. Augmented reality applications can help doctors diagnose diases faster and more accurately by adding extra details to scans and images.

 

• Mental health treatment. Patients struggling with mental health issues like phobias, PTSD, and anxiety can safely face their fears in a safe, controlled environment.

An example of Onix’s work for InnerVR, a VR-based meditation application

 

Tourism and travel

With AR and VR, the travel industry has become more engaging, giving people new tools to explore and plan their adventures:

 

• Virtual destination previews. VR allows travelers to take virtual tours of destinations, hotels, and attractions before booking. This immersive preview helps travelers make informed decisions and choose the best options for their trip.

 

Here is an example of Onix’s work. TriptoVR is a virtual reality application that offers users virtual tours of various countries around the world.

Virtual tour app built by Onix

 

• Cultural and historical insights. People can virtually experience historical events or explore museums and exhibitions from their own homes.

 

The Onix team built a virtual tour of the museum Banská Štiavnica, a completely preserved medieval town of historical value (an official UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Slovakia.

 

Our team used VR technology to build a historically accurate virtual tour with stunning graphics. This experience transforms museum visits, offering a unique way to explore history and engage visitors more deeply.

Onix transformed the historical tour of Banská Štiavnica with VR implementation

 

• Travel planning. Applications for augmented reality offer interactive maps and real-time info on attractions, restaurants, and local landmarks, providing travelers with instant details, reviews, and recommendations.

 

Learn more: AR and VR Business Opportunities in Travel Applications

 

• Virtual hotel tours. VR provides detailed virtual tours of hotels and resorts, helping guests explore room layouts, amenities, and facilities before making a reservation.

 

• Enhanced navigation. Users can view the streets through their smartphone’s camera, and the directions appear on their screen. GPS apps powered by AR might show tourist routes, translate street signs, and give sightseeing tips.

Image source

 

Manufacturing and construction

Below, we provide various examples of augmented reality applications and virtual reality solutions that boost precision, efficiency, and safety across multiple operations:

 

• Training and safety. Workers can learn and practice skills without the risks associated with real-world scenarios.

 

Our team designed a VR simulation of a skyscraper construction site, transforming how workers are trained in the construction industry. This innovative solution offers a safe training environment, allowing workers to improve their skills, reduce human error, and reduce costs linked to traditional training methods.

Onix developed a VR simulation for a skyscraper construction site

 

• Design and prototyping. Designers and engineers can create and test virtual prototypes before physical production, saving time and resources. While stakeholders can visualize and approve designs early in the process.

 

Here's an example of our work on a detailed model of the Messe Berlin exhibition complex. We combined blueprints, prepared models, and enhanced animations with detailed effects like stairs and windows.

 

Below, you can see our results:

 

 

• Remote assistance and collaboration. AR enables experts to provide real-time remote assistance by viewing the worksite through the eyes of on-site workers, guiding them step-by-step through complex procedures.

Gaming

New levels of interaction allow players to engage with games in never-before-possible ways, making gameplay more exciting:

 

• Enhanced interactivity. Players can use gestures, body movements, and spatial awareness to influence the game, adding a new layer of engagement.

 

Read also: Best Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets for Game Development

 

• Immersive gameplay. VR provides players with environments, allowing them to feel as though they are inside the game. This creates a more engaging and realistic gaming experience compared to traditional screens.

 

Here's an example of our work: Onix’s Unity 3D developers created a VR game where you help an astronaut travel from planet to planet, searching for resources and discovering a new home.

 

 

• Augmented worlds. AR blends digital elements with the real world, allowing players to interact with virtual objects and characters in their physical environment.

 

One of the famous examples of augmented reality usage in gaming is The Walking Dead: Our World. This AR mobile game allows users to fight with zombies in the park, at their homes, in the street, and wherever.

 

 

Sport and fitness

AR and VR offer new ways to train, perform, and stay active:

 

• Immersive training. VR provides athletes realistic training simulations that mimic game scenarios or specific skills.

 

For example, VirZOOM’s "VZfit Sensor Kit" transforms a stationary bike into a realistic experience with an Oculus VR headset, transporting users from their living room or gym to places like Arizona's deserts or Game of Thrones locations. 

 

 

• Virtual coaching. Using VR, trainers can interact with athletes from different locations.

 

For example, Supernatural offers high-energy cardio and full-body workouts guided by live-action coaches who provide personalized routines and motivation. Users can also project an AR personal trainer for yoga or daily exercises.

 

• Virtual races and events. Athletes can participate in virtual races or sports events, which simulate real-world competitions and provide a sense of achievement and community.

 

Advertising and marketing

Using AR and VR brands can engage customers in unique ways, making campaigns more personalized and effective:

 

• Interactive product demos. Customers can interact with products virtually, allowing them to see how items like furniture or clothing would look in their homes or on themselves.

 

Graphics can also be overlaid onto real vehicles, as Onix's Unity developers demonstrated in the Android project below.

 

Using AR technology and object recognition, the app provides 3D experiences that display car parts with detailed descriptions and even offers the option to animate these components.

 

 

• Enhanced storytelling. With AR and VR, marketers have new storytelling tools that allow them to create narratives that users don’t just watch but actively take part in.

 

For example, the Onix team has created an AR mobile app to enhance our promotional materials. This custom AR mobile app transformed a printed brochure into a fun experience as event attendees moved their phone cameras over it to reveal company stats, projects, and a 3D model of the headquarters. 

AR mobile app to enhance Onix promotional materials

 

• Engaging campaigns. Companies can turn traditional advertisements into interactive experiences. For instance, AR filters on social media platforms allow users to engage with branded content in a fun and shareable way. At the same time, VR ads can place users directly within a brand's narrative.

 

Read also: How to Use AR/VR in Marketing

 

Entertainment

AR and VR make entertainment more interactive and engaging, offering audiences entirely new ways to enjoy their favorite content:

 

• 360-degree movies and TV shows. VR is used to create 360-degree videos and films, allowing viewers to explore scenes from multiple angles.

 

For example, the Onix team built custom-themed multi-movie distribution and library apps, allowing users to watch VR premieres like "The Humanity Bureau VR" with Nicolas Cage.

 VR movie solution built by Onix

 

• Augmented reality concerts. AR enhances live performances by adding digital effects and interactive features, making the experience more captivating and visually impressive.

 

For example, the MelodyVR app lets fans stream live performances from hundreds of musicians, all from the comfort of their VR headsets.

 

 

• Virtual reality escape rooms. VR escape rooms offer a digital twist on traditional experiences, challenging players to solve puzzles in a virtual environment.

 

• Augmented reality storybooks. AR brings children's books to life, allowing characters to leap off the page and interact with readers in a digital format.

 

Read also: Use Cases of AR for kids

 

We've only begun to explore the many ways AR and VR transform businesses. As you can notice, the possibilities are endless. The secret lies in knowing your audience and designing your app with features that truly resonate with them.

 

How Onix Can Help

 

- Want to see if your AR/VR product idea will work?

Let’s build a prototype together. Our team can create a proof of concept to test critical features and ensure your idea is solid before investing in full development.

 

- Looking to create an AR/VR app and need a skilled team to help?

We’ll put together a dedicated software development team just for you. While you focus on growing your business, we’ll handle all the project details and ensure a smooth, transparent development process from start to finish.

 

- Not sure how to get started with AR/VR technology?

Talk to our experts for a consultation. We’ll show you how AR/VR can benefit your project and recommend the best solutions based on your goals.

 

Whether you're just starting or need help at any stage of development, Onix is here to help.

 

Reach out to us today!

 

FAQ

 

In which industries is VR/AR technology most commonly used?

VR/AR technology is most commonly used in industries like healthcare, education and training, real estate, retail, manufacturing, construction, entertainment, and gaming.

 

What types of mobile apps are best suited for AR/VR integration?

Mobile apps best suited for AR/VR integration include:

 

• Gaming ( immersive, interactive gameplay)
• Education and training (simulations and virtual learning environments)
• Retail and eCommerce (virtual try-ons and product visualization)
• Real estate (virtual property tours, interactive property showcases)
• Healthcare (medical training and patient education)
• Tourism and travel (virtual tours and interactive experiences)
• Entertainment and media (virtual concerts and immersive storytelling)
• Fitness and sports (engaging workouts and real-time coaching)

 

How does AR/VR in mobile apps improve customer retention and satisfaction?

AR/VR in mobile apps improves customer retention and satisfaction by offering interactive experiences that deeply engage users. These technologies allow customers to try products virtually, explore services, and enjoy personalized content, enhancing their overall experience and making interactions more memorable and enjoyable.

 

Can AR/VR mobile apps be monetized effectively?

Yes, AR/VR mobile apps can be monetized effectively through strategies like in-app purchases, subscriptions, advertising, freemium models, and partnerships. 

 

Is it realistic to incorporate VR into an off-the-shelf solution?

Yes, it's realistic, primarily if the solution supports modular integration and can handle VR content. Many platforms offer APIs and tools that facilitate adding VR features to existing solutions.

 

What must I know before developing a VR/AR mobile app?

Before developing a VR/AR app, consider these key points:

 

1. Purpose and audience. Define the app's goals and understand your target audience.
2. Hardware and platform. Choose the right platform (iOS, Android) and ensure compatibility with VR/AR devices.
3. User experience design. Focus on intuitive design, minimizing motion sickness, and enhancing spatial interaction.
4. Content creation. Develop engaging 3D models and immersive content.
5. Performance optimization. Ensure smooth performance by managing resources and optimizing rendering.
6. Legal and ethical considerations. Address data privacy, user consent, and intellectual property rights.