ARKit is Apple’s augmented reality (AR) platform compatible with iOS devices, offering advanced features like 4K video capture, HDR support, and Motion Capture improvements.
To explore alternatives to ARKit, one may consider Aircada, ARCore, ARToolKit, WebXR, Augment, Vuforia, AR Foundation, ZapWorks, Unity, JigSpace, Sceneform, Zappar, Blippar, 8th Wall, Wikitude, and ViewAR.
Aircada
Witness a game-changing platform in the AR creation scene. Aircada – the“Canva” of AR Content Creation. A state-of-the-art no-code web-based AR editor designed by the pioneers Sean and Wylie Chenoweth in 2020. Catering to businesses of all sizes, artists and AR enthusiasts alike, Aircada banks on its speed, security, and seamless integration capabilities.
Aircada Top Features
- Concise AR creation with AI-driven algorithms that finish tasks in mere seconds
- Device agnostic with compatibility checks for mobiles, tablets, and lidar-equipped gadgets
- Integrated AR content management system paired with automatic graphics creation for intuitive usage
- Extensive support for 3D model scanning & uploading
- Security prioritized via encrypted communication channels
- A collaboration-friendly platform encouraging team-oriented work
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cutting-edge Spatial AI | Facilitates accelerated AR development |
| 3D rendering | Produces realistic geometry occlusion and manages it efficiently |
| Customizable Scenes | Create unique scenes with drag and drop system |
Aircada Limitations
Despite Aircada’s stellar capabilities, a few considerations may need attention:
- While the platform supports multiple languages, the range could be limiting for extremely diverse user bases
- For users with little to no prior experience, the learning curve might be steeper.
Aircada Pricing
Aircada excels in offering competitive pricing, starting with a FREE edition that includes custom branding, unlimited projects, 3D model scanning & uploading, white labeling, and much more. The subsequent plans start around $20 per month with the enterprise plan at around $79+ per month.
Aircada Use Cases
Use case 1 – Marketers
Aircada proves advantageous for marketers, enabling them to create captivating AR content swiftly, improving customer engagement and driving brand awareness.
Use case 2 – 3D Designers
With support for 3D model scanning and uploading, 3D designers find Aircada to be a potent tool for their creative endeavors.
Use case 3 – AR Enthusiasts
AR enthusiasts can leverage Aircada’s integrated management system, and its swift, seamless AR creation to experiment, learn and innovate.
ARCore
Developed by Google, ARCore is a powerful tool that allows developers to create captivating augmented reality experiences. It achieves this by utilizing a variety of APIs to enable your phone to interpret and interact with its environment, functioning seamlessly on both Android and iOS for a shared AR experience.
ARCore Top Features
- Motion Tracking: ARCore effectively tracks the position of your mobile device as it moves in space. This is an essential feature in creating realistic AR experiences.
- Environmental Understanding: It not only tracks device movement but also builds a perception of the real world around the device. This includes recognizing flat surfaces and estimating the lighting conditions.
- Light Estimation: This feature allows developers to create more immersive AR experiences by enabling virtual objects to reflect real-world lighting conditions.
- APIs such as Geospatial API and Scene Semantics API: These APIs harness the power of Google Maps and AI, respectively, providing a 3D mesh of the user’s surroundings and labeling each pixel in an outdoor scene.
- Device Compatibility: ARCore supports a wide array of Android phones running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later. It also works with select iOS devices.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Streetscape Geometry API | Provides a 3D mesh within a 100-meter radius of the user’s location, enhancing environmental understanding. |
| Geospatial Depth API | Improves depth measurements using building and terrain data, with a range of up to 65m. |
| Scene Semantics API | Leverages AI to label every pixel in an outdoor scene, improving the user’s interaction with their environment. |
ARCore Limitations
- Based on user reviews, there have been reported issues with the compatibility of ARCore’s live view with Google Maps.
- ARCore’s installation has sometimes led to unauthorized installation of certain Google Apps, causing discontent amongst some users.
ARCore Pricing
ARCore is a free AR development tool, making it accessible for developers worldwide. It is automatically installed and updated on supported devices through Google Play Services for AR.
ARCore Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming
ARCore’s motion tracking and environmental understanding features make it a perfect asset for creating immersive AR games. The open-source demo ‘Mega Golf’ is a testament to this capability.
Use case 2: Education
ARCore can significantly enhance educational apps by creating interactive, environment-based learning experiences. Its Scene Semantics API would enrich outdoor learning sessions by AI-labeling outdoor scenes.
Use case 3: Real Estate
The Geospatial Depth API and Streetscape Geometry API can be used in real estate apps to provide users with 3D views of buildings and terrain, offering them a more detailed understanding of the property’s surroundings.
Sceneform
Developed by Google, Sceneform is a robust 3D framework designed for mobile, assisting Java developers in creating dynamic augmented reality (AR) applications.
Sceneform Top Features
- Flexible Rendering: Sceneform provides APIs to load and render 3D models, efficiently managing AR sessions.
- Dynamic AR Creation: Developers can create 3D models dynamically during runtime, minimizing complexities of managing AR sessions.
- Augmented Faces: The SDK supports facial detection, generating mesh representations, and overlaying textures based on the detected face mesh.
- AR Functionalities: Sceneform offers AR functionalities such as moving 3D models, object scaling, object rotation, and recording AR experiences.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ARCore Integration | Sceneform uses ARCore for tracking image recognition and managing video playback. |
| 3D Drawing | Developers can experiment with different shapes, colors, and positions for creating immersive 3D drawing experiences. |
| AR Optional | Developers can choose to create apps where AR is either required or optional. |
Sceneform Limitations
- Device compatibility: Sceneform has observed issues with compatibility on certain devices.
- Limited 3D Models: It presents some restrictions in creating 3D models and does not support vertical surface detection.
- Single Camera Usage: Sceneform does not sustain simultaneous use of more than one camera.
- Inactive Maintenance: Sceneform isn’t actively maintained by Google anymore, which may pose difficulties for future updates or support.
Sceneform Use Cases
Use case 1
Sceneform is extremely beneficial for Java developers looking to easily create and render 3D scenes in their apps, manage playback lifecycles, and handle errors.
Use case 2
For AR enthusiasts, Sceneform provides an optimum platform for experimenting with 3D drawing experiences and overlaying textures based on recognized face mesh.
Use case 3
App creators seeking to introduce dynamic AR functionalities like object scaling, moving 3D models, or recording AR experiences would find Sceneform as a handy tool.
Zappar
Renowned as a major player in the realm of Augmented Reality (AR), Zappar is not just an XR platform but also a creative studio specializing in bringing end-to-end camera strategies to life. With a rich experience of over 12 years, Zappar caters to diverse sectors, offering accessible and immersive AR solutions.
Zappar Top Features
- End-to-End Camera Strategy: Spearheads content creation, management, and publishing under one platform.
- ZapWorks: A versatile toolset engineered for crafting AR experiences. Its latest iteration, ZapWorks Studio, simplifies the creation of 3D artifacts for interactive programs.
- Accessibility: Ensures access to blind and partially sighted individuals via an Accessible QR code.
- User Library of 3D Artifacts: Allows a drag-and-drop mechanism for AR experience, fostering creativity amongst users regardless of their coding proficiency.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with Sketchfab’s 3D model library and existing apps, supporting both iOS & Android.
| Support Resources | Benefits |
| Advanced Scripting Editor | Favours expert coders with complex operations |
| Automatic Features | Suits intermediate coders seeking efficiency |
| Beginner-friendly Tools | Serves novice coders with a user-friendly experience |
Zappar Disadvantages
Details regarding the limitations of Zappar are not provided in the provided data. More information is required for a comprehensive list of disadvantages.
Zappar Pricing
Pricing specifics for Zappar are unavailable in the company summary. It’s recommended to visit the Zappar website for the most accurate and updated pricing information.
Zappar Use Cases
Use case 1: Packaging
By fusing AR technology with packaging, Zappar enhances user engagement, personalized interaction, and brand loyalty through memorable experiences.
Use case 2: Retail
Zappar’s AR solutions in Retail digitally transform in-store experiences, increasing customer connections and consequent conversion rates.
Use case 3: Learning & Development
Incorporation of AR in the L&D sector powers immersive, interactive education, improving productivity.
Blippar
Meet Blippar, the UK’s initial tech unicorn, a leader in AR content creation and publishing. Beyond a series of successful partnerships, Blippar introduced an outstanding arsenal of AR tools, experienced financial turmoil, bounced back, and raised $5 million in pre-Series A funding in 2021.
Blippar Best Features
- Revolutionary AR tech: Launched a visual search engine using AR in 2016, facial recognition API, AR car and location-based AR technology.
- Significant partnerships: Allies include GSK, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, PepsiCo, Cadbury, L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble, et al.
- AR products: Pioneered the world’s first AR product launch with OnePlus Nord.
- Blippbuilder: No-code, free-to-use AR creation tool for effortless content conception.
| Expansion | Awards |
|---|---|
| Platforms expanded into Google Glass, VR, machine learning, AI. | Featured on CNBC’s global ‘Disruptor 50’ list, Best Innovator by Bloomberg and Most Innovative AR Company by Fast Company in 2018. |
| First product was AR tech for advertisers, triggering AR games by packaging. | Shifted focus from AR experience creation to a SaaS platform for AR creation. |
Blippar Limitations
- Insolvency proceedings in 2018, followed by a buyout in 2019, might raise questions about the long-term stability.
- Shift from innovation budgets into proper marketing budgets may limit creative AR projects.
Blippar Pricing
Pricing details are not directly available from the provided company summary.
Blippar Use Cases
Use case 1
Advertisers can leverage Blippar’s smartphone-based AR tools to interactively engage consumers with packaging-triggered AR games.
Use case 2
Brands can collaborate with Blippar to launch new AR products, similar to OnePlus Nord.
Use case 3
Creative agencies can utilize Blippar’s no-code AR creation tool, Blippbuilder, to streamline their AR content design and development process.
8th Wall
Founded in Palo Alto, California, 8th Wall has fundamentally contributed to the democratization of augmented reality (AR) tech. An award-winning platform by Niantic Inc, 8th Wall has transformed the AR terrain with its revolutionary WebAR technology, which eliminates the need for any app installation.
8th Wall Top Features
- Universal Accessibility: The WebAR technology can be accessed on any smartphone, computers, AR/VR headsets across various OS including iOS, Android.
- Robust Tools: The 8th Wall AR Engine and Cloud Editor facilitate the entire lifecycle of development, distribution, and discovery.
- Advanced Tech: Introduced WebAR (Web-based AR) with computer vision SLAM (Simultaneous Location and Mapping) system.
- Enhanced Tracking: Features like 6-DoF Tracking, Lighting and Surface Estimation, Image Target Tracking.
- WebAR Development: Cloud Editor, a cloud-based integrated environment for WebAR and WebVR development.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Tracking | Tracks entire hand, including the palm and the wrist with 36 attachment points across fingers, knuckles. |
| Sky & World Tracking | The platform allows developers to create immersive WebAR experiences with Sky Effects and World Tracking. |
| AR Code | A innovative webAR platform that uses AR QR Codes for anchoring and accessing AR content, enhancing user experience. |
8th Wall Limitations
- Requires understanding of web technologies (JavaScript, WebGL, HTML5) to create AR experiences.
- More expensive commercial license exceeding $2,000 per month.
- Lacks compatibility with hardware such as Apple Vision Pro Headset.
8th Wall Pricing
While 8th Wall offers comprehensive tools for AR experiences, it comes with a higher and less flexible cost for a commercial license, exceeding $2000 per month.
8th Wall Use Cases
Retail Interactivity
8th Wall WebAR technology is perfect for the retail industry, enabling a unique customer experience by placing virtual objects (rings, bracelets, watches) on human hands, fingers, and wrists.
Gaming and Education
The tool’s advanced hand tracking and interactive capabilities allow for enhanced engagement in gaming and education, evolving how users interact with objects in AR settings.
Human Augmentation
Bringing to life the concept of “Human AR,” 8th Wall helps developers change human appearances in virtual settings, broadening the scope of personalization and immersion.
Wikitude
Calling Salzburg, Austria its home, Wikitude has been a forerunner in the Augmented Reality universe since 2008. Acquired by the tech giant Qualcomm in 2021, it specializes in image recognition and tracking, 3D model rendering, video overlay, location-based AR, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping).
Wikitude Top Features
- Image Recognition & Tracking: Using the Software Development Kit (SDK) introduced in 2012, AR developers can build high-performing AR solutions.
- Location-based AR: It utilizes GPS/Wi-fi, direction (compass), and accelerometer for object placement on the screen.
- SLAM Tech: Launched in 2017, SLAM tech offers markerless instant tracking for fluid and real-time AR experiences.
- Android, iOS, Windows, and Smart Eyewear compatibility: Its broad compatibility extends the reach and applicability of AR solutions.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| SDK 9 | Introduced advanced AR features for high-performing AR solutions, allowing seamless tie-in with other AR frameworks like ARKit or ARCore. |
| High-end Image Tracking | Enables recognition and tracking of numerous 2D images in challenging environments, thus escalating the utility of AR experiences. |
| Cylinder Tracking | Aids in crafting AR experiences related to cylindrical-shaped targets. |
Wikitude Downsides
- Debate exists about whether Wikitude’s location-based AR qualifies as “true AR” due mainly to questioning the accuracy of GPS, compass, and motion sensors.
- Multiple trackers feature might prove to be too complex for novice AR developers.
Wikitude Pricing
Wikitude offers variable pricing tiers based on the AR features and broad framework choice offered, selection can be done based on individual’s need.
Wikitude Use Cases
Use case 1: AR Game Developers
With the ability to handle high-end image tracking and multiple object tracking, Wikitude is a go-to SDK for AR game developers, providing them with the tools needed to create immersive and interactive games.
Use case 2: Retail Businesses
Retail businesses can leverage Wikitude’s AR solutions to offer their customers an enhanced shopping experience with cylinder tracking, and 3D model rendering for product visualization.
Use case 3: Smart Eyewear Manufacturers
Wikitude’s optimization for smart eyewear devices makes it ideal for manufacturers, providing them with a solid AR foundation to build visually-rich interactive applications.
ViewAR
Finding its birth in the heart of Austria, ViewAR has diligently carved its niche since 2011. The company has been instrumental in sprouting cutting-edge Augmented Reality solutions, carefully tailored for diverse industries across the world. Its crown jewel is arguably the INDOAR solution, which powers one of the world’s largest indoor navigation systems at the Vienna Technical Museum.
ViewAR Top Features
- Their self-service portal and SD facilitates unrivaled customization in AR applications.
- Promotes AR-guided tours for enormous spaces, verified by its application across 200,000 sqft in the Vienna Technical Museum.
- Optimized for providing enhanced customer and employee experiences.
- Employs a unique CMS system for managing promotional messages and operational notifications on the Handset app.
- Partnered with Matterport to release innovative applications on its platform.
- An integral part of Industry 4.0 and IoT integrations.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Industrial AR suite | Facilitates step-by-step instructions, remote assistance, spatial data integration and in-location OT data display. |
| Matterport Model API | Enables spatial data visualization. |
| Multipurpose Application | Supports product visualization, indoor navigation/guidance, and AR workflows creation. |
ViewAR Limitations
- While ViewAR shines with a loaded feature set, pricing information is yet to be made clear to potential clients.
- Heavy dependence on the Matterport platform might limit the scope of innovation.
ViewAR Use Cases
Use case 1
Guiding visitors through vast spaces, ViewAR creates engaging and personalized tours, showcasing key checkpoints and exhibitions.
Use case 2
ViewAR’s AR solutions are not confined to museum tours. The company has established a robust footprint in industrial applications, providing remote assistance, step-by-step guidance, and real-time data visualization.
Use case 3
The platform empowers businesses for digital transformation. The collaboration with Omnia has enabled enterprises to enhance customer and employee experience through AR and digital innovations.
ARToolKit
Born from intellectual curiosity and technical prowess, ARToolKit was developed in 1999 by Hirokazu Kato, Mark Billinghurst, and Ivan Poupyrev. This AR pioneer has stood the test of time, evolving through various iterations and platforms to stay relevant and robust in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
ARToolKit Top Features
- Supports various platforms including Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Optimized for mobile usage with the introduction of ARToolKitPlus.
- Includes tools for camera calibration, marker generation and tracking capabilities for accurate AR representation.
- Offers plugins for Unity and OpenSceneGraph.
- Enables highly immersive and interactive AR experiences through 3D Data browsing, Augmented surfaces, and Tangible AR.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Single and Stereo Camera Tracking | Enhanced precision and flexibility in AR rendering. |
| Open Source Nature | Promotes customization and adaptability to diverse user requirements. |
| Real-time AR | Instant superposition of virtual elements on real camera feeds. |
ARToolKit Limitations
- Dated initial design, particularly noticeable in tracking primarily planar images and black squares.
- High minimum hardware requirements, necessitating a 500 MHz processor and a graphics accelerator card.
- Renders solely on high-end display technology
ARToolKit Pricing
Adhering to the spirit of open collaboration, ARToolKit is open source and available under the GNU General Public License for non-commercial uses.
ARToolKit Use Cases
Use case 1: Education
The tangible AR and augmented surfaces features of ARToolKit have made it a game-changer in the educational sphere, aiding conceptual understanding of complex geometrical and spatial relations.
Use case 2: Live Events
ARToolKit’s real-time AR capability creates interactive experiences at live events, where the audience can engage with virtual objects overlaid on actual visuals.
Use case 3: Prototyping
ARToolKit’s powerful AR representation capabilities help seamlessly simulate product prototypes, thereby aiding designers and product developers.
WebXR
WebXR, an avant-garde in the evolution of VR and AR, seamlessly unifies VR and AR realities, opening up a playground for the creation of immersive 3D art and VR tools. Built on the bedrock of low latency, high precision, and rapid data processing, it minimizes web disruptions to less than 20ms, thus achieving the illusion of reality.
WebXR Top Features
- Pioneering API capabilities that enable detection and location of VR or AR devices, translation of movement vectors, and rendering of 3D scenes.
- Profound support in major browsers, with Chrome currently in the lead and Firefox integrating it as experimental technology.
- Compatibility with a plethora of toolkits and libraries, including AR.js, Three.js, A-Painter XR, A-Frame, ARCore.
- WebXR Device API giving web access to VR devices including HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard.
- Capable of replacing experimental WebVR, supporting VR and AR, i.e., mixed reality.
- Supporting numerous stable versions of browsers including Edge, Chrome 79+, Opera 66+, Opera Mobile 64+ Samsung Internet 12+, Oculus.
| Native Applications Support: | Networked experiences on several hardware through tools like Unity and Blender. |
| Browser Infrastructure: | Enabling quick user onboarding, rapid deployment, content updates. |
| Future Proof: | Effortlessly adapts to new devices, thus remaining up-to-date. |
WebXR Limitations
- Not a rendering technology, developers expected to handle rendering and texturing.
- Only supports VR and AR sessions using the same API, perhaps limiting flexibility.
WebXR Use Cases
Use case 1: Interactive 3D Art
By enabling browser-based cross-platform apps, WebXR is a boon for artists desiring a mass market. The integration with major toolkits and libraries offers the much-needed freedom and flexibility to cultivate unique artistic expression.
Use case 2: Model Visualizations
Its AR capabilities and seamless integration with VR devices like Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard make WebXR the go-to tool for architects, engineers, or designers seeking to visualize their models in an augmented reality setting.
Use case 3: 360 Video/Immersive Entertainment
Combining its high precision and low latency with the power of WebGL, WebXR offers content creators the right tools to envision and execute immersive entertainment experiences for the global audience.
Augment
Emerging as a significant tool in the rapidly evolving world of Augmented Reality (AR), Augment seeks to strengthen our connection to the physical realm by integrating enriched digital content. Seamlessly merging computational insight with real-world elements, it aims to amplify human perception and foster a heightened, interactive experience for its users.
Augment Best Features
1. Comprehensive Application: Designed to accentuate features of the physical world, it is adept at promoting products/services and launching engaging marketing campaigns.
2. Diverse Use-Cases: The Augment application is leveraged across an array of sectors such as mobile computing, business, retail, healthcare, and entertainment.
3. Improved Collaboration & Safety: The seamless integration of AR into procedures and training not only enhances learning and comprehension but also fosters safer working conditions.
4. Technical Innovation: Bolstered by hardware components like a processor, sensors, a display and input devices, Augment overlays nuanced information onto real world scenarios to magnify users’ experiences.
| Key Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Accessibility | Augment enhances the accessibility and safety of products and equipment, thus rendering complex systems approachable. |
| Industry 4.0 Integration | As part of a cloud-connected Industry 4.0 ecosystem, Augment stands at the forefront of the integration of technological enhancement, involving big data and automated robots. |
| Diverse Delivery Mechanisms | Augment is deliverable via a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, glasses, and ultimately aims to develop AR contact lenses. |
Augment Limitations
As with all pioneering systems, Augment is subject to limitations. The broad implications of these restrictions may not be fully understood until the technology matures and proliferates. Additionally, the need for specific hardware elements may limit its wider adoption.
Augment Use Cases
Use case 1: Medical Training
Augment can be instrumental in the field of medical training—with AR applications enabling users to see 3D images of body systems, providing students an immersive yet safe educational experience.
Use case 2: Retail
Incorporation into store catalog apps, enables consumers to visualize products in different environments, making Augment a potent tool for modern retail.
Use case 3: Industrial Manufacturing
The application of Augment in industrial manufacturing may provide increased safety and accessibility to complex machinery and foster more efficient, collaborative workplaces.
Vuforia
As a product of Qualcomm and later acquired by PTC Inc., Vuforia rose to prominence as a highly acclaimed AR software development kit (SDK). Its powerful computer vision technology enables it to recognize objects, thereby allowing the creation of high-end AR applications.
Additionally, Vuforia is used by more than 800k developers, being a versatile choice for applications encompassing 3D product demonstrations and interactive campaigns.
Vuforia Top Features
- 2D/3D target types support, incorporating Markerless Image Targets and 3D Model Targets.
- Support for Multi Targets, Cylinder targets, Ground Plane, Instant Image Targets with the Basic Plan.
- Compatibility with different programming languages including C++, Java, Objective-C++, .NET and is deemed perfect for the Unity game engine.
- Functions with advanced AR capabilities such as 6 DOF device localization and localized occlusion detection.
- Runtime Image target selection capability.
- Facilitates the creation of AR Digital Twin, effectively bridging physical and digital spaces.
- Support for AR headsets/glasses including HoloLens 1, Microsoft HoloLens 2, Magic Leap, RealWear HMT-1, Vuzix M400.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| VuMarks | Next-gen QR code with custom design and multiple format support. |
| Cloud Recognition Database | Allows for remote target image storage. |
| Licensing options | Develop (free, for learning and non-commercial use), Basic, Basic with Cloud License, Pro. |
Vuforia Downsides
- Virtual Buttons: This feature has been deprecated and will be removed in future versions.
- Complex pricing and plan structure can be confusing to new users.
- Cloud add-ons are not available in China.
Vuforia Pricing
Vuforia offers multiple pricing options, the Basic Plan permits unlimited app development and publishing without a watermark, with certain features limitations. The Premium Plan, on the other hand, enables unlimited development and app publishing with additional features without watermark. Additional features can be purchased through Cloud and Cloud Plus add-ons for increased Cloud Recognition limits. The Basic Plan and add-on plans can be cancelled at any time, while the Premium Plan necessitates contacting the company.
Vuforia Use Cases
Use case 1: 3D Product Demonstrations
Vuforia’s robust feature set including AR Digital Twin and recognition capabilities make it an ideal solution for producing immersive 3D product demonstrations.
Use case 2: Interactive Campaigns
Creative professionals can leverage Vuforia’s dynamic recognition and targeting options to create interactive AR-based marketing campaigns.
Use case 3: AR App Development
Employing Vuforia’s versatile capabilities can empower developers to create cutting-edge AR apps, supported across various platforms including Windows 10, iOS, Android, and AR headsets.
AR Foundation
A product of Unity, AR Foundation stands as a powerful cross-platform framework for the creation of immersive AR experiences on both Android and iOS. Its compatibility requires Unity 2019.4.3f1 or later, and it works seamlessly with Google’s ARCore Extensions.
AR Foundation Top Features
- Comprehensive support for multiple AR features including Plane detection, Raycasting Camera, Image tracking, Object tracking, Face tracking, Body tracking, Point clouds, Anchors, Meshing, Environment Probes, and Occlusion.
- Supports Android (with ARCore supported devices) and iOS (with Xcode 11.0 or later).
- Ability to create a range of AR applications and games utilizing Unity features.
- AR Foundation components and Unity API enhance overall AR development.
- Game objects like AR Session and AR Session Origin included.
- Interactive modes, user-interface panels, and cool AR onboarding graphics.
| AR Core Extension | Availability |
|---|---|
| Cloud Anchors | Yes |
| Camera configuration filters | Yes |
| Recording and Playback | Yes |
AR Foundation Limitations
- Requires game developers to have beginner-level knowledge of Unity development, C# programming, 3D graphics, mobile applications development, and AR usage.
- Doesn’t work independently but requires AR Foundation in Unity’s Package Manager.
- Demands ARKit and/or ARCore supported device detected at runtime.
AR Foundation Use Cases
AR Game Creation
With its cross-platform support and user-friendly game objects, AR Foundation proves to be an ideal choice for game developers looking to craft irresistible AR games.
AR Application Development
Empowered with Unity API and Cloud Anchors among other features, AR Foundation aids mobile application developers in creating practical and immersive AR applications.
AR Interactive Modes
Given its support for innovative interaction modes, AR Foundation facilitates the crafting of interactive AR-based user interfaces and graphics that captivate the end-users.
ZapWorks
Embarking on the journey of Augmented Reality (AR) creation, we encounter an interesting companion – ZapWorks. This AR ecosystem caters to designers, developers, and marketers attempting to craft immersive WebAR experiences using no, low, or custom code.
ZapWorks Top Features
- Zapworks Designer: Enhances AR creation with a simple, user-friendly drag & drop system. Eliminates the need for apps, downloads, or coding.
- Zapworks Studio: Melds the simplicity of visual UI with the flexibility of a code editor for versatile AR content creation.
- Robust Tracking: Includes world tracking for product visualisation, image tracking for digital overlay on products and packaging, and face tracking for realistic and feature-rich facial animations.
| Beneficial Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enterprise-Scale Deployment | ZapWorks guarantees company-specific branding, secure hosting, priority support, and efficient security protocols. |
| Specialist AR Training | To infuse your creations with impact, ZapWorks offers specialist AR training. |
| ZapWorks Studio 6 | This upgrade intends to lower the tech-barrier for interactive short-form mobile content creation, making it accessible to a wider audience. |
ZapWorks Limitations
- Limited Features: Reports highlight limitations in world tracking and cylindrical tracking for WebAR.
- Usability: Some users have found ZapWorks challenging to harness.
- Creative Freedom: Critics claim restrictions on industry standard formats and limited possibilities for expansive creativity.
ZapWorks Pricing
While prices do vary according to the user’s stipulations – personal, business, or educational – details are not explicit in the provided summary.
ZapWorks Use Cases
Use case 1: Education
ZapWorks brings dynamic vitality to learning spaces. With AR, it enhances classroom learning and training programs, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Use case 2: Brands and Innovation
ZapWorks serves as an innovation accelerator for brands looking to prototype products, impact sales, and elevate marketing efforts using AR.
Use case 3: Community Building
Through initiatives like the Zapworks Hackathon, an AR content creation competition, ZapWorks fosters a vibrant community of AR developers and enthusiasts.
Unity
Launched in 2005, Unity has developed a powerhouse reputation for creating 3D and 2D games. Its adaptable function with several operating systems makes it a favored tool for a range of applications, including Augmented Reality and 3D simulations.
Unity Best Features
- Cross-platform: Launch of Android and iOS games is seamless.
- Versatile: Supports a variety of applications from AR to 3D simulations.
- Rich asset store: Offers a variety of pre-designed textures and features aiding game design.
- Diverse coding languages: Supports BOO script, Javascript, and C#.
- Active developer community: Facilitates assistance and system improvement feedback.
| Feature | Description |
| Rendering Technology | Supports high-quality game creation. |
| Diverse languages | Enables developers utilize Boo script, Javascript, and C#, enhancing flexibility. |
| Free and Pro versions | Fosters the production of sophisticated games. |
Unity Downsides
- New pricing model feared to hamper digital preservation efforts.
- Potential abuse of per-install fees.
- Unannounced pricing shifts could impact financial sustainability.
- Retroactive fees have resulted in mistrust.
Unity Pricing
Unity comprises a unique pricing model where developers bear a fee each time a game using Unity software is installed. The new pricing model, coming into effect on January 1, 2024, has raised concerns amongst developers. Despite the backlash, Unity assures no charges will be applied till a game surpasses $200,000 in revenue and 200,000 installations.
Unity Use Cases
Use Case 1: Mobile Game Creation
Unity perceives a heightened potential in mobile game development and hence encourages its use for the same.
Use Case 2: Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Game Development
Unity actively supports and stimulates the creation of games with AR/VR features, combining cutting-edge technology with immersive visual experiences.
Use Case 3: Community Learning and Problem solving
Unity’s active developer community suggests a platform for constant learning, application of industry solutions, and facilitated communication for problem-solving.
JigSpace
Let us dive into JigSpace, a next-generation AR product presentation powerhouse. Known for remodeling product communication, it’s already a hit among innovators and garners immense accolades, including a feature in Apple Vision Pro announcement.
JigSpace Top Features
- Interactive AR Presentation: Enriches audience understanding with advanced zoom and walkthrough features.
- Limitless reach: Unrestricted by physical boundaries, it opens up unmatchable opportunities for expansive reach.
- Making strong business impact: JigSpace’s potency is validated by multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals it helped close.
- Custom Branding: Offers tailored branding features for the immersive user experience.
- Enterprise Security: Embedded in a SOC 2 Type II environment, it delivers enterprise-level security.
| Three.js | Animation Types |
|---|---|
| Enabling the creation of 3D graphics thanks to the JavaScript library Three.js, it supports cross-browser functionality. | Features diverse range of animation types: armatures, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, morph, and keyframe. |
| Materials | Import/Export |
| Offers various material options such as Lambert, Phong, smooth shading, and textures. | Supports multiple format exports and imports: JSON, glTF, OBJ, and USDZ. |
JigSpace Disadvantages
- Complex Operations: With the depth of features JigSpace provide, it can become overwhelming and complex to use for some users.
- Platform Dependency: Although it started its journey with ActionScript, it had to port to JavaScript for platform independence. Thus, it has some inherent platform dependencies.
JigSpace Use Cases
Use case 1
JigSpace stands as a cornerstone for Marketing & Communication Heads like Stefano Battiston at Alfa Romeo F1, expediting the process of closing high-stake sponsorship deals.
Use case 2
JigSpace proves beneficial for General Managers like Mike King at Triangle Waterquip. It supports a strategic reduction in transportation costs by eliminating the need for physical product demonstrations.
Use case 3
For sectors like sales and trade shows, JigSpace becomes a promising companion that transforms product pitches and demonstrations for a broader reach and deeper understanding.
