How to Use the Augmented Reality Shopping Feature in the Amazon App
iOS / Android: Last year, Amazon plunged into augmented reality with ” AR presentation,” allowing iPhone owners to place virtual furniture, speakers, and more in their own homes using the Amazon app. Now the same feature has appeared in Android, starting with several high-end phones.
Here’s what you need to know about the Amazon AR view, whether you’ve gotten the update on Android or are finally going to check it out on iOS.
How AR View works
Downloading Amazon augmented reality technology is quick and easy. Just open the app and click on the camera icon to the left of the search bar. Then select AR view from the list of icons.
At this point, you should see thousands of different products broken down into categories such as Top Products, Electronics, Living Room, Kitchen, and Tables. Select an item and the app will return to camera mode, showing whatever part of the room you are looking at with the product overlaid on the stage. With touch gestures, you can move or rotate it until you find the perfect spot.
Of course, this is Amazon, so once you find something you like, you can purchase it right in the app and it will be shipped to you as quickly as possible. Like everything else the company does, the goal here is to get you to buy more stuff, but that’s pretty cool in this case too.
Which Android phones can use AR View?
AR View only works on Android because Google released its ARCore 1.0 software last week, which means it’s limited to a small handful of smartphones. For now, the list includes Google Pixel phones and Samsung S7, S8 and Note 8. You can also check out the AR Amazon with the LG V30, OnePlus 5 and Asus Zenfone AR.
Which iPhones can use AR View?
If you’re an Apple fan, things are much easier. Basically, if you are using iOS 11 or later, you can check the AR view in the Amazon app. You’ll also need an iPhone 6S or newer, but if you’re still holding onto an older model, it might be time to upgrade.