Banks begin to take a serious look at augmented reality
Augmented reality technology continues to cause a stir in the banking industry as more financial organizations begin to make use of it for various reasons. While the industry is predominantly occupied with NFC technology and its uses for mobile commerce, many banks are beginning to see how augmented reality can be used to provide more robust and engaging experiences to consumers. PNC Financial Services, a leading financial organization based in the U.S., has recently taken up augmented reality for this purpose.
PNC Finder application now available
PNC has announced the launch of its new PNC Finder mobile application. The app makes use of augmented reality as a way to help consumers find the location of a PNC bank or ATM. Using GPS coordinates, the application is able to guide users to these locations using digital displays, which is akin to navigational systems used in vehicles. PNC has become enthralled with the idea of appealing to a new generation of consumer who has been steeped in mobile technology since a young age.
Banks could use augmented reality to create more engaging experiences
The bank’s use of augmented reality has sparked interest in how else the technology can be used to engage mobile consumers. Augmented reality has been generating buzz in the game industry, where it is being used to create more interactive games. Games using the technology are able to superimpose digital imagery on the real environment. This is similar to the way typical augmented reality applications make use of the technology, but the gaming aspect could add more depth to these applications and make them more popular with consumers.
App not the result of consumer demand
PNC believes that its augmented reality application will be a resounding success with owners of smart phones and other mobile devices. The bank does note that its development of an augmented reality application is not the result of consumer demand. Instead, the bank is making an attempt to establish itself as a “Tech-savvy brand.”
