Google’s answer to the ARKit
Following Apple’s entry into the augmented reality (AR) market at the end of 2017, Google is now also making its Android mobile operating system AR-capable. The IT giant has already made its first forays into AR with Google Glass and Project Tango – but without any noticeable success. Users probably didn’t want to buy special devices for it.
Google’s new ARCore platform is already running on 13 smartphones and therefore appears to be ready for the market in terms of device support. The capable devices include the Pixel Phones from Google: Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL; the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, Note8, S7 and S7 edge; the LG V30 and V30+ as well as the ASUS Zenfone AR and the OnePlus 5. Virtual objects can be placed in real space by merging camera data with data from the motion sensor. In contrast to Apple’s AR platform, not only horizontal surfaces but also walls in the room can be digitally recognized. A clear advantage and therefore a successful response from Google. However, Apple still seems to be one step ahead at the moment, as hundreds of apps are already using the ARKit interfaces. A new beta version (ARKit 1.5) has also been introduced in the meantime, which can also be used to recognize walls and irregular surfaces. So the battle remains exciting.
