Augmented reality, or AR, is getting more mainstream than ever. Its spectrum of applications now spreads across fashion retail to video games to healthcare and beyond. Tech experts say AR is likely to become even more popular in the coming years. Trends like augmented reality app development are already surging. As consumers worldwide become more reliant on digital tools, AR enthusiasts see a promising future for this technology.
Integrating augmented reality or building an AR app, however, is easier said than done. Keep in mind that we’re talking about one of the most evolved software tech capabilities. You, therefore, need proven expertise, and tried-and-tested tools. That’s where augmented reality app developers come into play. They can help you build the right AR solution in the most personalized way possible.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most well-tested augmented reality app development tools. We’ll also explore what kind of AR app is likely to benefit your business the most. Read on to find out.
Types of Augmented Reality Apps
Before deciding to build an AR app for your business, you need to understand their types. It would help you pick the right kind of AP solutions and expertise, ensuring the highest ROI possible. Here are the main types of AR apps.
Marker-based AR apps
AR apps that fall into this category rely on image recognition. Marker-based AR apps use black and white markers to identify elements of the real world. They use these markers to overlay the augmented reality on it. Users need to point their camera to the marker object to see the AR effects. After recognizing the element, the AR app overlays the digital data related to the marker and shows the AR effects on the objects.
Location-based AR apps
Location-based augmented reality apps don’t need any real-world markers to function. These apps are comparatively more intricate than marker-based apps. Location-based AR apps first detect the precise position of the device using GPS. Then they also use the in-built accelerometer and digital compass. The app then places the augmented object over the real-world objects. Apps users can look at it through their device’s camera.
Top augmented reality app development platforms
Like mentioned earlier in this post, technology platforms are crucial to building AR apps. There are so many out there. But you need to pick the ones that best suit our business goals. Here are some of the most widely used augmented reality app development tools.
ARToolkit
ARToolkit is incredibly popular among tech-savvy mobile app developers. It’s an open-source platform for building feature-rich augmented reality apps. Despite being a free tool, it offers features that are similar to many paid tools. For instance, ARToolkit supports both single and dual camera devices. It also provides GPS-based tracking, digital compass capabilities that enable you to make efficient location-based AR apps.
Vuforia
Vuforia is widely known as the go-to tool for augmented reality app development projects. Along with support for both Android and iOS, Vuforia offers an array of unique features. Developers around the world use Vuforia to build a diverse range of AR-based apps.
Some of the most striking features of Vuforia include multiple object recognition, text recognition, 3D geometric map, and the Smart terrain capability, among others. Vuforia has a free version. But it also comes with several paid plans, starting at $99 per month.
Apple ARkit
The tech titan Apple introduced its own augmented reality development platform alongside the iOS 11. ARkit demonstrates Apple’s benchmark when it comes to tech capabilities. It offers features like visual inertial odometry (VIO) that can track the environment without any other calibration.
ARkit can also quickly detect 2D objects that drive interactions with the developers. You can seamlessly integrate these objects with an array of third-party tools.
Google ARCore
It’s not just Apple that leads AR app development from the pecking order of Big Tech. Google, too, has its own feature-loaded AR development platform. Google’s ARCore is an open-source platform for augmented reality app developers worldwide. ARCore is one of the most extensively used development platforms for creating a plethora of AR capabilities. Some of the most outstanding features of ARCore include light estimation, real-time tracking, and environment sensing.
Wrapping up
Augmented reality made visible inroads into consumer tech and entertainment within a short period. With a growing number of enterprises embracing digital solutions with open arms, AR is set to become more mainstream.
Whether it’s online shopping, immersive gaming, or therapeutic medicine, AR’s applications are virtually limitless. At Mobibiz, a mobile application development company, we’re enthusiastic about enabling clients to deploy with cutting-edge tech capabilities. Out tech solutions have helped numerous enterprises reach new heights of business.
FAQs
Q. What is an augmented reality (AR) app?
AR apps use computer-generated objects and deploy them in real life to create an immersive experience for users. Pokémon Go is a popular example of an AR app.
Q. Why is augmented reality important for businesses?
Augmented reality (AR) creates an artificial, engaging environment. The experience can captivate audiences in a way that encourages them to accept and believe it as a real environment. An enhanced experience could help to increase conversions and sales.
Q. How much does it cost to build an AR app?
The costs of augmented reality app development depend on several factors. Features of the app, its specific usages, and development time, etc. play an important role in calculating the costs. Mobibiz develops flawless AR apps at a competitive price.
