Just yesterday the rumourmill was well and truly operational when it was rumoured that Google were going to make a big push for their augmented reality layer at MWC 2018. Turns out the rumours were right with Google today announcing the stable ARCore 1.0.
Via their blog today Google have announced that ARCore has left it’s developer preview form and in the next few days at MWC will hit the stable channel. At MWC 2018 Google will be launching ARCore 1.0 along with more support for developers to enter into this space.
ARCore will currently work on 100 million Android smartphones via 13 different models including all four Pixel phones, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+, Note8, S7 and S7 Edge, LG’s V30 and V30+, the Asus Zenfone AR and the OnePlus 5. Along with these manufacturers, Google are also currently working with other manufacturers such as Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi, Nokia, ZTE, Sony and Vivo to bring the advanced AR capabilities to more smartphones.
Obviously there is little use having so many phones capable of using the ARCore if there are few uses for it. Google are thus bringing improvements and additional support for developers to make their developments faster and easier. The stable ARCore 1.0 brings an improved environmental understanding that allows users to place their virtual objects on top of textured surfaces. The ARCore is now also supported in the Android emulator allowing for faster and easier testing of apps.
ARCore will be available to people everywhere, including China, allowing for the manufacturers there such as Huawei, Xiaomi to distribute AR apps through their app stores that ship with their phones.
Some examples of the ARCore in use in apps include Snapchat and their “portal”, FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium inside and out, the ability to visualise the interior of your house with various furniture with Sotheby’s International Reality. Porsche also have an AR app allowing you to see their new Mission E Concept car in your own driveway and explores it’s workings. A Ghostbusters World game is also in the works and looks like a lot of fun.
There are also many other games and lifestyle apps in the works with furniture companies seeing a great benefit for this software aside from some cool gaming applications.
Going forwards Google are putting a lot of weight behind their ARCore and we hope to see some more applications and uses come to light. Google are expected to be showcasing many of these uses at MWC this week.
Stay tuned for more interesting and innovative uses in the coming days and weeks as Google continue to provide improved support for their ARCore.
