Augmented reality (AR) refers to the technology that overlays digital elements on real-world surroundings. This simulates a situation where users interact with digital elements while being in the real-world in real-time. This technology is based on two principals which are juxtaposition of digital in the real world and their interaction in real-time. AR started being a requisite skill for any mobile app development company since the mobile game Pokemon Go hit the market in 2016. During an interview with BBC, experts forecasted USD 162bn revenue for the AR market through 2024.
However, implementing AR in mobile app development services is not a piece of cake. There are a lot of things to consider while starting with an AR-powered mobile application. This article will explore some of the factors that enterprises must consider while using AR in mobile app development.
Designing an AR Mobile application- Things to Consider
- User interface should have properly placed elements which are easy to understand and use. It should not look cluttered.
- Developers must choose a device that has the required hardware capabilities to support an AR app.
- AR applications should be integrated into users’ private as well as public environment.
- AR mobile applications should be designed in such a way so that it does not require users to make a move that can endanger their safety. For instance, an app should not require users to take backward steps.
- App design should be strictly aligned with application functionality. For instance, a surgery assistance AR app must be replete with all the accurate details of human anatomy.
Must-have Features in AR Mobile Application
Choosing the right features and functionalities for AR mobile application is the first step towards deciding on the right software development kit (SDK). Here’s a look at some of the must-have features to boost functionality of an AR mobile application:
3D Tracking
This feature finds its usage to develop AR applications for Ecommerce and gaming industries. Most of the leading augmented reality platforms back 3D image tracking. This enables AR apps to identify 3D objects such as books, balls, toys, among others.
Geolocation Feature
AR platforms must support geolocation feature to build location-based AR applications. This feature is essential for navigation apps. The geolocation feature identifies the geo markers of a place. Then the GPS along with accelerometers and digital compass identifies the actual location.
The Need for SLAM
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) allows AR apps to track moving objects and map an environment. It also helps remembering object positions when users are moving. SLAM can be used as an alternative to GPS. This feature helps to create an indoor navigation map.
Smart Glasses Support
Smart glasses allow immersive hands-free AR experience. It has become quite popular among users. Hence, enterprises must develop AR applications that supports using smart glasses.
Choosing the Right SDKs to Build AR Apps for Different Platforms
A mobile app development company must make the right choice SDK to develop AR apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms. The choice will determine app functionality and ultimately project ROI for enterprises.
For iOS
ARkit is a product of Apple. It is a powerful SDK that integrates features like camera scene capture, light, motion tracking, advanced scene processing, among others into an AR app for iOS platform. ARkit uses sounds from surrounding environments to create an immersive AR experience.
For Android
Mobile application development services providers can use ARcore, a product of Google, to build AR apps for Android platform. This SDK uses motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation to integrate digital elements into the real world.
For Cross-platform Development
Most of the third-party SDKs support AR application development for both Android and iOS platforms. Having said that, Wikitude, ViroReact, and Unity are the top 3 highly recommended tech stack to be used for cross platform AR mobile application development.
Here’s a list of things that must be considered while choosing an SDK for either iOS, Android, or for cross-platform application:
- Dynamic target recognition, multiple targets recognition, and reliable target recognition are the most commonly used and important SDKs.
- Enterprises should choose an SDK that builds AR apps to function on both iOS and Android operating systems. This will widen userbase of the application.
- If budget is not too tight, enterprises must go with a paid SDK license. It is generally packed with more features that is essential to build a fully functional AR mobile application.
- The chosen SDK must support Unity. It is a cutting-edge SDK that is essential to create amazing graphics for AR applications.
- SDK should be able to support Cloud recognition. It is an essential feature that ensure that AR mobile application recognizes markers without consuming much space in the device.
Ending Note
There is no denying the fact that choosing the right tech stack and features for AR mobile application development is not an easy task. Since AR application development is typically a costly proposition, a wrong choice will have a far-reaching impact on resource optimization and ROI. This is why enterprise must seek a third-party intervention for AR projects. Clear understanding of cost of different components of AR application development, flexibility to optimize resources based on project requirements, provision of technical consulting and long term support, are some of the parameters that define the best mobile application development company in the AR field.
