This article covers all the basics that you need to venture into the world of visual e-commerce. The article also explains aspects like 360-degree video, AR, VR, and 3D product models. These help you understand and clear out the very basics that can form the building blocks of implementing these technologies for your brand. The article also explains the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality and between 360 degree and 3D products.

We often speak and hear terms in the visual world of technology like 360-degree video, 3D, AR, and VR but do we know exactly what these terms mean? The dream of capturing your customer’s attention using these technological perks is possible to achieve only when one understands what each one of these is.

What is a 360-degree video? 

360-degree videos essentially are recordings that include various angles from every direction from which you can see a product. In this case, a camera or multiple cameras are rigged such that it shoots highly immersive video of the product from all directions. This can either be done by physically rotating the camera around the product or by moving the product itself on an appropriately sized turntable. 

This technology is quite commonly seen in the automotive industry, and even in real estate promotions so much so that even platforms like YouTube and Facebook allow easy hosting of such 360-degree videos.

What is 3D product renders? 

3D literally means anything that has width, height, and depth. Simply put everything that we see in real life, we see in 3D.  Employing the same approach, 3D product renders or 3D videos have width, height, and depth thus giving them more real-life and a more immersive experience to the viewer.

A popular example of 3D in our day-to-day life is best shown by IKEA. With its app IKEA place, it helps customers to view the products in true to scale 3D images, enabling them to make the right choice while shopping. 

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented reality means edited or improved reality. In this, the users see and interact with the real world but some digital modifications are made to it. Simply put, it means that the user enjoys the real world with some key virtual changes that enhance the visual experience. 

IKEA place, again, has set a great example in using AR in e-commerce. It allows users to place real-life-size products in the spot that the users want to place them. Thus allowing them to see the products thoroughly before buying them.

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

In contrast to augmented reality, virtual reality presents you with a computer-generated world for you to experience. The best virtual reality experience also allows the user to move around and manipulate objects in the virtual world thus enhancing the experience. 

The best example of this is perhaps seen in YouTube videos. These are configured such that they can be experienced in the virtual world using a VR headset. 

The main difference between augmented reality and virtual reality, 360-degree video, 3D

The main difference between 360-degree video, 3D, AR, and VR is in the experience they provide. 360-degree videos allow you to inspect each angle of a product. 3D images and videos allow you to see the product as if in real life. This lets the user inspect every nook and corner of the product. AR and VR, on the other hand, provide a reality-altering experience in the real world on the virtual world respectively.

Basics. Covered.

Understanding the basics of e-commerce and technologies like 360-degree video, 3D, AR, and VR is very important. Customers too are now looking towards new ways to ease their shopping process. While the above-mentioned technology helps them do the same.