Mixed up about what augmented reality or AR is? In a nutshell, it’s a technology used to redefine space, and it puts a virtual layer over the world with geographic specificity guaranteeing a good fit. In other words, augmented reality uses computer animation to bring objects and items to life.

Many may believe that augmented reality is the way of the future, but in reality, it has been around since the 20th century. The father of virtual reality, Morton Heilig, patented the “experience theater,” on Aug. 28, 1962.

It’s not a futuristic, beyond the stars thing, we’re there.

As scientist techs and app geeks are busily developing augmented reality for commercial use, AR technology will change the way the folks look at the world.

It looks like the tech industry giants feel the same way. Apple’s purchase of Metaio (an AR company); Google made a $500 million dollar investment in Magic Leap, another AR company; and Microsoft HoloLens’ advancement into a fully unleashed holographic computer.

The future of augmented reality does not stop there. With AR aiming at the smartphone, laptop, tablet industry, the potential user base is in the hundreds of millions, driving huge revenues for device manufacturers.

The industry is equally as ready for the software and services market, in addition to mobile networks’ voice and data industries. And let’s not forget the impact on the workforce, as augmented reality will generate new types of jobs and services.

In the next 3-5 years, don’t be surprised to see more companies roll out AR mobile apps to bring its audience a more immersive and personalized experience. That could mean bringing a static print ad to life, checking out a movie trailer by pointing your smartphone at a poster or seeing how a new recliner may look sitting in your man cave.

Augmented reality marketing is going to aid businesses in telling their story like never before, and the world is ready to hear it.

A recent study by Semico Research forecast that by the end of 2016, revenue made by the AR Industry will total $600 billion or better. This study also stated that in 2014, about 864 million cell phones will be AR-ready. Word on the street also says that more than 100 million vehicles will come furnished with AR technology.

The potential for businesses to use AR marketing to show the impact a product has on our lives is massive: from education to retail to travel; the world seems ready for AR adoption – with all accompanying benefits.