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Augmented Reality is one of the most promising experimental technologies of this decade.
The technology of Augmented Reality (AR) has seen significant growth and development in the past decade, positioning itself as one of the most promising experimental technologies.
In this article, we will highlight the 7 most powerful SDKs, tools, and frameworks that are utilized by successful app developers in their AR development process.
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7 Most Powerful SDKs for AR Development
1) ARCore
ARCore is a platform developed by Google for creating augmented reality (AR) experiences on Android smartphones. ARCore enables developers to build AR apps that overlay virtual elements in the real world in real time, creating an immersive experience for users. ARCore uses computer vision and machine learning technologies to understand the environment and detect surfaces, and it also provides tools for building and placing virtual objects in the AR environment. ARCore is available on a limited number of Android devices and is constantly being updated with new features and improved capabilities.
2) ZapWorks — Universal AR SDK
ZapWorks is a software development kit (SDK) for augmented reality (AR) developers. It enables developers to create interactive and immersive AR experiences for a wide range of devices and platforms, including mobile, desktop, and web. The SDK provides a range of tools and features, including image tracking, 3D content creation, animation, and interactivity, making it easy for developers to create AR experiences without any prior AR development experience. With ZapWorks, developers can bring their AR ideas to life, and reach a wider audience by publishing their AR experiences to multiple platforms and devices.
3. ARKit
ARKit is a framework developed by Apple for iOS devices that allow developers to create augmented reality (AR) experiences. ARKit uses the device’s camera, processors, and sensors to map the environment and accurately place virtual objects in real-world scenes. With ARKit, developers can create interactive AR apps and games, educational experiences, and more. It was first introduced in iOS 11 in 2017.
4) Vuforia
Vuforia is widely used for industrial and commercial applications, including product visualization, training, and marketing. It is an augmented reality platform that enables developers to create interactive and immersive experiences for mobile devices. It provides tools for image and object recognition, as well as object tracking, and offers a software development kit (SDK) for developers to build AR applications for Android and iOS devices.
5) ARToolKit
ARToolKit provides a suite of tools for tracking real-world objects and superimposing virtual graphics and images onto them. It is widely used for research and commercial AR applications, including museum exhibitions, education, advertising, and gaming. It is an open-source software library that enables the creation of augmented reality (AR) applications. It was developed by Hirokazu Kato and Mark Billinghurst at the University of Washington in 1999. ARToolKit is supported on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
6) Wikitude
The Wikitude platform provides a range of features, including image recognition, location-based AR, and object recognition, making it suitable for a wide range of industries, such as tourism, education, and retail. Wikitude is an augmented reality (AR) platform that provides tools and technology to create AR experiences for various applications, including mobile, web, and smart glasses. It enables developers to integrate AR into their applications and create interactive and engaging experiences that blend the physical world with digital content.
7) Augment
Augment is a platform for creating and viewing augmented reality (AR) experiences. It provides a suite of tools for businesses to create interactive 3D models and animations, place them in real-world environments, and view them through a mobile device or AR-enabled glasses. The platform is designed for use in product visualization, training, and marketing, among other applications.
Wrap-up
Spending on AR services is expected to see a significant increase with a high compound annual growth rate in custom AR app development. The AR SDKs mentioned here serve as the key component to connect AR content, applications, and real devices. It is important to choose the AR SDK that best suits your project requirements among the various options available.