Google ARCore and its ARKit has been giving developers new opportunities by presenting an intuitive platform for creators to develop innovate new ideas. The ARCore SDK is available across various platforms from Android to IOS, putting many eyes upon the software.
Recently Google announced an update for ARCore: Update 1.24. This is following from their previous Depth API update; but now Google are aiming for more realistic and immersive experiences by using depth map technology.
The New Features:
Google are returning to their advanced ARCore, by introducing the new Raw Depth API bringing new levels of realism to ARCore. Capturing more defined edges and objects within the environment; apposed from the previous version’s smooth capturing which had less defined edges. Now classed as confidence images, these seemingly pixel perfect scans of the environment can offer high fidelity AR objects to be presented in the user’s personal AR space.
Using this depth map technology, the update brings with it advancements too Hit-Test. Wear-by the ARCore can now more efficiently detect low texture floors. Meaning that most certified devices will be able to use the Hit-Test technology and devices will no longer need specialist sensors to take advantage of this part of the ARCore kit.
Another new feature is the Recording and Playback API system. Designed to give new levels of flexibility to developers, allowing for environments to be recorded as templates; with the ability to build multiple different AR experiences upon the same AR template. Users will be able to jump on this new feature too, by recording any environment via their certified device, later adding AR effects to the video; instead of having to do it live.
Using ARCore 1.24:
In Google’s case study list for ARCore 1.24 it is explained how developers DiDi managed to save “25% on R&D and testing costs, 60% on travel costs, and accelerated their development cycle by 6 months.”
The update is available to developers with all the new features ready to be played with; with extensive developers guides available to help make the best of ARCore 1.24.
Many developers have already taken advantage of ARCore 1.24, with social media giants Tik Tok already using the software to creating confidence images for users to interact with or show off when creating content for the platform.
Like many AR engines the strength of the software lies in the abilities and visions of the developers using it. With this, it already seems that the big players in the smartphone application market are taking advantage of 1.24 as best they can.
