Unity MARS vs AR Foundation: Key Differences Explained

Key Differences Between Unity MARS and AR Foundation

• Unity MARS offers advanced customizability with proxy-based workflow, and tools like Fuzzy Authoring and Smart Real-world Recognition. AR Foundation does not provide these detailed workflows.
• AR Foundation is oriented towards developers with beginner-level knowledge of Unity development and C# programming, while Unity MARS provides specialized workflows for advanced AR developers.
• Unity MARS requires an annual fee after a free trial, but Unity AR Foundation is a free component of Unity’s Package Manager.
• While both platforms support Android and iOS, Unity MARS also supports HoloLens environments.

For developers seeking intricate control and fine-grained toolset for AR development, Unity MARS is the optimal choice. However, for beginners and those emphasizing a cost-effective solution, AR Foundation provides a solid basis.

What Is Unity MARS and Who’s It For?

Unity MARS, a creation tool for augmented reality, is integrated with Unity Pro, Unity Enterprise, and Unity Industry. It is aimed at assisting AR app developers by providing specialized tools and workflows. Unity MARS is ideal for those wanting to create AR apps on platforms like iOS, Android, and HoloLens.

Launched in 2005, Unity MARS is built on the Unity Editor in coordination with AR Foundation. Its innovative features include Fuzzy Authoring, Responsive Visual Authoring, and Smart Real-world Recognition. Being popular for iOS and Android mobile game development, it’s perfect for developers with Unity software requirements.

Pros of Unity MARS

• Plain-language authoring reduces coding needs.
• Comprehensive testing through simulation environments and customizable building blocks.
• Smooth synchronization with real-world environment and sensor data.

Cons of Unity MARS

• Requires paid subscription post 45-day free trial.
• Unity software prerequisite for subscription use.

What Is Unity’s AR Foundation and Who’s It For?

The AR Foundation, another Unity offering, serves as a cross-platform framework for AR experiences. Requiring Unity 2019.4.3f1 or later, it’s compatible with Android and iOS. It’s intended for game developers with beginner-level understanding of Unity development, C# programming, 3D graphics, mobile applications, and AR usage.

Packed with features like Cloud Anchors, Camera configuration filters, and Playback, the AR Foundation allows the creation of AR applications using Unity features. It’s an ideal choice for developing unique AR projects, such as a virtual photo gallery or educational image tracking app.

Pros of Unity’s AR Foundation

• Supports interaction modes and user-interface panels.
• Has helpful development tools like Configuration Chooser, Debug Menu.
• AR Foundation samples serve as a foundation for an AR project.

Cons of Unity’s AR Foundation

• Requires Unity 2019.4.3f1 or later.
• Requires ARKit and/or ARCore supported device at runtime for compatibility.

Unity MARS vs AR Foundation: Pricing

Unity MARS operates on a subscription model requiring an annual fee post-trial period, while AR Foundation lacks specific pricing data.

Unity MARS

Unity MARS offers a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed for AR development, requiring an annual fee. It’s included in Unity Pro, Unity Enterprise, and Unity Industry. Users can access Unity MARS free for a 45-day trial, after which it costs $50/month or $600/year per license.

AR Foundation

AR Foundation is Unity’s framework for creating cross-platform AR experiences, supporting Android and iOS. However, explicit pricing information is absent, implying that usage is either free or bundled with the overall Unity package.

Code Examples for Unity MARS & AR Foundation

Unity MARS

This snippet showcases the creation of procedurally generated objects in Unity MARS. Ensure Unity MARS v1.3.0 or higher is installed.

using UnityEngine;using Unity.MARS;public class ObjGenScript : MonoBehaviour {public GameObject objPrefab; void Start() {for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {GameObject newObject = Instantiate(objPrefab, new Vector3(i*2.0F, 0, 0), Quaternion.identity);newObject.name = "Object " + i;}}}

AR Foundation

The following sample invokes an AR session and places a 3D object in AR space using AR Foundation. Ensure AR Foundation 4.x installed with AR Core or AR Kit support.

using System.Collections;using UnityEngine;using UnityEngine.XR.ARFoundation;public class ARSessionSample : MonoBehaviour{public GameObject arPrefab;private ARSession arSession;void Start(){StartCoroutine(SetupARSession());}IEnumerator SetupARSession(){arSession = FindObjectOfType<ARSession>();while (arSession.subsystem == null){yield return null;}yield return new WaitUntil(() => arSession.subsystem.running);var presetPosition = new Vector3(0, 0, 0.5F);Instantiate(arPrefab, presetPosition, Quaternion.identity);}}

The Final Showdown: Unity MARS vs AR Foundation

In the techno-dome of AR development platforms, both Unity MARS and AR Foundation have emerged as strong contenders. But the choice between the two boils down to what suits your specific needs as an AR creator. Let’s break it down.

Beginner AR Developers

For the nascent AR developers still testing the AR space, AR Foundation assumes a friendlier environment. Its compatibility with both iOS and Android, along with broad AR features like Plane Detection, Raycasting Camera, Face and Body tracking, makes it an ideal launchpad. Additionally, it’s perfect for those vested in creating mobile applications with basic Unity development and C# programming knowledge.

Experienced Game Makers

The veterans in game making will find more value in the comfort of Unity MARS. Its ability to deliver responsive and location-aware AR experiences gives creators an edge. Add to that the benefits of Fuzzy Authoring and Smart Real-world Recognition, it’s clear why Unity MARS has gained popularity amongst game developers.

AR/VR Innovators

For the pioneers in the AR/VR field, both platforms stand robust. However, Unity MARS, with its proxy-based workflow and innovative simulation environment, provides a more distinct advantage. It allows for a faster iterative process, encouraging constant innovation.

When faced with the Unity MARS vs AR Foundation question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For beginners charting their AR journey, AR Foundation shines brighter. However, seasoned game developers and AR/VR innovators may savour the manifold benefits of Unity MARS.