Thinking of Developing an AR App for Your Business? Use These Popular Creation Tools

Thinking of Developing an AR App for Your Business? Use These Popular Creation Tools

Taking you down memory lane, do you remember the days when the world went into a frenzy over the app Pokemon Go? 2016 was the year when the Pokemon Go app was introduced, and since then our lives have changed from average mobile users to technologically advanced users. While Pokemon Go absorbed the majority of smartphones around the globe, the presented technology, AR, was introduced and used in different industries.
 

Even now, you may hardly find someone who is not familiar with Pokemon Go, but do you know that the technology used in creating such an app includes augmented reality? The AR technology used in Pokemon Go app development is augmented reality (AR), a technology that adds a layer of digital information to the physical world and creates an impact on promotional activities.
 

As augmented reality is an interactive experience for most users, it is an evolving real-world environment adorned with computer-enhanced images using real-time interactions with any user. It is a new trend in the digital world that has come to stay and is changing the way we interact with the environment around us. Apart from just app development and animation development, augmented reality is widely used in multiple industries like healthcare, e-commerce, architecture, and others.
 

Types of Augmented Reality Mobile App
 

When it comes to AR app development, there are different types of augmented reality mobile applications on the market. The most commonly used are marker-based AR apps and location-based AR apps.

1. Location-based AR app: Reliable on GPS and other position detectors like digital compasses, these location-based AR apps work without markers and detect the user’s position with the help of GPS, determine the location, and create AR objects. The most common example of a location-based AR app is Pokemon Go.
    

2. Marker-based AR app: Reliable on image recognition, marker-based AR applications use black and white markers as triggers to displace AR content. For example, the detection of a QR code. The most common example of a marker-based AR app is IKEA.  
    

Once all the features, types, advantages, and disadvantages of the required app are known, the next step leads to the development of an AR app. In the process of development, a lot of effort and work goes in. There are several concerns to keep in mind and address, even in the simplest app development process. But when it comes to complex app development like one inspired by augmented reality technology, it incorporates 3D graphics, advanced functionality, innovative technology, and more. It makes all the development process look like a hopelessly tangled web of threads that needs some tools and technologies to develop something unitary.
 

There are several AR development tools and SDKs that are used by developers to try and build an AR app. 

1. Vuforia
    

Considered as one of the most popular SDKs that sits near the top of most AR SDK lists, Vuforia is known for a good reason. It offers a range of products and useful features that help in developing AR experiences, including the vuforia engine, studio, chalk, and others. The development tool is used to create marker-based and markerless AR. It also includes features like a ground plane (adding content to horizontal surfaces), a visual camera that supports visual sources beyond the phone and tablets, and VuMarks used in face recognition and encoding data.
 

Salient features

1. Recognizes multiple objects.

2. Supports text recognition. 

3. Allows 3D geometric map creation.

4.  Provides a unity plugin. 

5. Supports cloud and local storage.
    

2. Apple ARkit
    

Another popular source of open-source tools used for AR-based application development is Apple ARkit. It offers a new approach to augmented reality technology that is capable of identifying dimensions of the surroundings and lighting to easily integrate virtual objects with real life. As it was developed by Apple, it can only be used on Android phones and supports fast motion, tracking, rendering effects, face tracking, and more.
 

Salient features 

1. Supports both single and dual cameras.

2. Provides easy integration with smart glasses. 

3. Supports multiple languages.

4. Provides GPS and compass support. 

5. OpenSceneGraph and Unity 3D support.
    

3. Google ARCore
    

When it comes to digital innovations, Google is undeniably one of the top leaders in providing different development options. Even though it has millions of users under its belt, another option Google ARCore for AR development is loaded with several features. Some of the prominent used features in the development process are motion tracking, surface detection, light estimation, multiplayer, and more. 

Salient features

1. Works with Java, OpenGL, Unity, and Unreal. 

2. Offers the option of motion tracking. 

3. Easy detection of horizontal surfaces and environmental understanding. 

4. Provides light estimation. 

5. Easy support with different devices like Google Pixel, OnePlus, Asus, Samsung, and others.
     

4. Wikitude
    

Relatively a newcomer in the market, Wikitude is another great choice for the field of AR app development. With a solid reputation, it helps in creating AR-based apps and customized solutions for different platforms like iOS, Android, smart glasses devices, etc. Wikitude offers a variety of tracking methods and technologies, along with object rendering via third-party tools and more.
 

Salient features 

1. 3D recognition and tracking 

2. Location-based services 

3. Smart glasses integration

4. Easy integration with extra plugins 

5. Cloud recognition
    

5. MAXST
    

Available in 2 SDKs MAXST is a leading AR development tool that offers a 2D SDK for image tracking and a 3D SDK for environment recognition. It comes with a free version but also offers a commercial license when needed. MAXST is highly compatible with platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, and others.
 

Salient features 

1. Easy tracking of the environment and mapping of the environment. 

2. Scanning QR codes and barcodes 

3. Tracking multiple targets 

4. Easy integration with Unity 

5. Both open-source and paid
    

Needless to say, 
 

The technology of augmented reality is trendy and has its own waves of excitement. Therefore, if you are planning to get an AR app, you should select the tools, technologies, AR app developers, and more as per your niche. If you still find yourself stuck in the process, consider reaching out to professionals like Mrmmbs Vision, a VR/AR App Development Company. To schedule a call, contact us now. 

Posted By: Mrmmbs Vision