Aircada is a no-code platform for AR content creation, deployment, and viewing, ideal for businesses of all sizes and AR enthusiasts. This platform, established in 2020 by Sean and Wylie Chenoweth, specializes in AR web applications and incorporates cutting-edge Spatial AI for a seamless user experience. With multiple language support and a commitment to regular feature updates, Aircada is known for its competitive support and secure encrypted communication.
For those exploring alternatives to Aircada, options include AR Foundation, Sceneform, Unity, Spark AR, 8th Wall, WebXR, ViewAR, Adobe Aero, Zappar, Blippar, PlugXR, JigSpace, BUNDLAR, MyWebAR, ZapWorks, UniteAR, Augment, Onirix, ARCore, ARKit.
AR Foundation
As a part of Unity, AR Foundation plays a remarkable role in shaping the world of Augmented Reality (AR). This cross-platform framework is compatible with both Android and iOS, aiding the creation of immersive AR experiences, facilitated by a variety of powerful features and seamless integrations.
Best Features of AR Foundation
- Supports both Android and iOS, with a requirement of Unity 2019.4.3f1 or later.
- Offers solutions for motion tracking, environmental understanding, and lighting estimation through AR sessions.
- Allows creation of AR applications and games harnessing Unity features.
- Compatibility with ARCore Extensions, ARCore XR Plugin for Android, ARKit XR Plugin for iOS facilitates development.
- Provides a diverse range of AR features like Plane detection, Face tracking, Object tracking, and more.
| Features | Benefit |
| Cloud Anchors, Camera configuration filters, Recording, Playback | Enhancements for AR development |
| AR Foundation components, Unity API | Enables interactive modes, user-interface panels, onboarding graphics and much more to AR development |
| AR Foundation samples | Provides a guideline for AR projects complementing beginners with a foundation |
AR Foundation Downsides
- A requirement of beginner-level knowledge of Unity development, C# programming, 3D graphics, mobile applications development, and AR usage restricts user base.
AR Foundation Use Cases
Use case 1: AR Game Development
AR Foundation serves as an immense aid to game developers offering features like Unity API and AR sessions to create engaging AR Games. Moreover, supported by ARCore XR Plugin for Android and ARKit XR Plugin for iOS enhances the gameplay experience even further.
Use case 2: Educational AR apps
AR Foundation can help bring subjects alive in education. Teachers or app developers can use AR image tracking feature of AR Foundation to create an educational app, making learning more effective and enjoyable for students.
Use case 3: AR Facials Accessory App
With the rise of application like Snapchat, developers can use AR Foundation’s face tracking feature to create AR facial accessory apps. Adding real-time tracking accessories on user’s face, providing a fun and interactive experience.
Sceneform
Sceneform is a dynamic 3D framework pioneered by Google which empowers Java developers to create robust augmented reality (AR) applications.”
Sceneform Top Features
- Dynamic creation of 3D models during runtime which simplifies AR session management.
- Has APIs that load and render 3D models, and enables the creation of AR-required and AR-optional apps.
- AR management potentialities including 3D scenes’ rendering, managing playback lifecycles, handling errors, and face mesh’s center-based AR overlay.
- AR experiences recording and saving capabilities.
| Specific Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Augmented Faces in Sceneform SDK | Identifies facial landmarks, overlays textures or 3D models, generates mesh representations of faces. Works with the front camera. |
| ARCore functionality | Identifies if images are being tracked by the camera and manages video playback. |
| AR features | Allows object scaling, 3D models’ moving, and object rotation in AR apps. |
Sceneform Limitations
- Restricted device compatibility and limited ability in 3D models’ creation.
- Lacks support for vertical surface detection or simultaneous use of multiple cameras.
- No longer maintained by Google, which casts doubt on its future updates or support.
Sceneform Use Cases
Use Case 1: 3D Apps Developers
Sceneform is instrumental for Java developers eager to craft immersive 3D augmented reality apps due to its dynamic 3D models’ creation feature during runtime.”
Use Case 2: Video Playback Managers
Its functionality with ARCore makes it ideal for managing video playback if an image is tracked by the camera.”
Use Case 3: Face Detection Apps Creation
The Augmented Faces feature within Sceneform is critical for developers intending to create apps that detect faces and overlay textures or 3D models based on a generated face mesh.”
PlugXR
Enter the world of PlugXR, a cloud-based, no-code platform offering 3D, AR, VR and Spatial Computing solutions. This leading-edge tool integrates seamlessly with other applications and has successfully implemented solutions across a multitude of industries, from luxury goods to edtech.
Top Features of PlugXR
- Intuitive, no-code platform. Create 3D, AR, VR solutions with ease.
- Ease of integration. Effortless embedding to other apps or tools.
- Diverse applications. Used across industries like edtech, jewellery, and government.
- AR experience creation. Make use of videos, images, animations, and call-to-actions.
- Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities – always stay updated with the latest AR trends and usage patterns.
Limitations of PlugXR
Pricing may be a barrier for small businesses or startups.
PlugXR Pricing
PlugXR offers varied pricing plans ranging from free individual plans ($0 – $14.99/mo), business plans ($0 – $249.99/mo), and student plans ($9.99/mo), to packages for colleges or universities ($59.99/mo). Custom plans are available for businesses with specific needs.
PlugXR Use Cases
Case 1: Education
EDtech firms can leverage PlugXR’s AR creation tools to bring learning materials to life and engage students in immersive educational experiences.
Case 2: Manufacture
From tractors to steel, PlugXR’s AR solutions have found a place in complex manufacturing processes to simplify tasks and improve efficiency.
Case 3: Brand Activation
Brands can use PlugXR’s platform to create interactive AR experiences for their consumers, increasing brand engagement and driving conversions.
| Additional Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Web-based AR | No need for app downloads, simplifying AR experience for users. |
| SDK Migration Flexibility | Allows adaptability and modification in AR creation process. |
| AR Experience | Empowers high consumer impact driving acquisition, retention, conversion. |
JigSpace
Meet JigSpace, a next-gen AR product presentations company transforming the way you communicate innovative product concepts. Featured in Apple’s Vision Pro and iPhone 12 announcements, it’s gained recognition as the highest-rated AR app in the market. From sales pitches to product training, JigSpace eliminates lengthy product explanations, enhancing comprehension & closing multimillion-dollar deals.
JigSpace Top Features
- Enables AR product presentation with zoom and walk-around features, providing limitless reach.
- Compatibility with Mac, Windows, and any device – crafted using JavaScript library Three.js for robust cross-browser 3D creation.
- Custom branding for personalized presentations.
- Enterprise-grade security ensured in a SOC 2 Type II environment.
- Multiple material options for 3D objects and a variety of supported import/export formats.
| API Design | Enables a smooth user interface. |
| Object types | Meshes, particles, sprites, lines, ribbons, and bones for detailed presentations. |
| Supported by 1700+ contributors | Diverse contributor pool guarantees regular improvements. |
JigSpace Limitations
- Underlying complexities in managing Three.js library.
- Requires technical skills to maximize usage.
- Potential limitations in custom branding features.
JigSpace Pricing
Information about JigSpace’s pricing isn’t provided in the company summary. We advise potential users to reach out to JigSpace for specific pricing details.
JigSpace Use Cases
Use case 1
For Stefano Battiston, Head of Marketing & Communications at Alfa Romeo F1, JigSpace has been instrumental in closing high-stake sponsorship deals.
Use case 2
For companies like Triangle Waterquip, JigSpace has enabled significant transportation cost reductions through virtual product demonstrations.
Use case 3
At trade shows and similar events, JigSpace allows for detailed, interactive product representation, thus enhancing audience engagement and understanding.
BUNDLAR
Strengthening your world of AR, BUNDLAR is a no-code Augmented Reality platform. Its primary function is to help create, edit, measure, and publish powerful AR experiences, empowering your operations regardless of the industry or business size.
BUNDLAR Best Features
- No-code solution: Edit and design your AR experiences with a drag-and-drop interface, no coding required.
- CMS: Comprehensive management system to control user access and personalize AR creations.
- Analytics dashboard: Monitor interactions, measure return on investment, and optimize performance for better outcomes.
- Cloud ‘Bundling’: Ensures reliable and stable delivery of your AR experiences.
| Integration Capabilities | Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Zendesk |
| App Compatibility | Requires iOS 12.0 or later |
| Privacy Practices | Collection and linking of location, contact info, identifiers, usage data. |
BUNDLAR Limitations
- Relies on external app for user access.
- Specific iOS compatibility requirements (12.0 or later).
BUNDLAR Pricing
BUNDLAR provides various subscription plans depending on the scale of professional, enterprise, or federal needs. The exact pricing details were not provided in the company summary.
BUNDLAR Use Cases
Use case 1: Equipment Installation
With BUNDLAR, you can create effective AR guides for complex equipment installations, making the process hassle-free and clear.
Use case 2: Onboarding
If your company aims for an engaging onboarding experience, BUNDLAR can assist in the creation of interactive AR materials for new hires.
Use case 3: Sales Enablement
Boost your sales presentations with AR enhancements provided by BUNDLAR, leading to more captivating pitches and satisfied clients.
MyWebAR, the Offbeat Reality Creator
Rising against the tech tide is MyWebAR, a non-conformist WebAR platform that’s breaking molds and setting trends. Known for crafting AR experiences by way of text prompts, this tool is bringing the future of interaction at your fingertips. A visionary endeavor spearheaded by the 13-times patent holder Andrei Komm, MyWebAR has made AR creation a game where coding no longer calls the shots.
Top Notch Features of MyWebAR
- Instantaneous AR Experience: With its AI bot, you can create an unparalleled AR experience within a fleeting 30 seconds.
- Unparallel Reach: A behemoth in AR advertising, it’s the go-to platform for content interaction at lightning speed.
- AR Glasses Support: MyWebAR is redefining VR with functions for AR glasses support that adds a layer of realism.
- Physics Interaction: It offers physics interaction with real-world objects taking realism to another level.
| Education and Training | 200+ universities and several schools are using it for immersive tech in education |
| Product Visualization | It’s extensively used for AR visualization in product packaging |
| AR CMS Platform | As an augmented reality content management system, it keeps the creators in their driving seat. |
MyWebAR Downsides
- MyWebAR is primarily a web-based platform so its performance might be compromised with a poor internet connection.
- As it stands today, the platform does not have AR creation capabilities for complex geometric shapes.
MyWebAR Use Cases
Educational Institutes
MyWebAR is making academics immersive and interactive, simplifying complex theories and ensuring better retention.
Advertisers and Marketers
With a rise in AR marketing spend, MyWebAR is helping businesses create fast and visually-rich content, driving better user engagement.
Product Designers
MyWebAR is shaping the future of product visualization where the difference between real and virtual is becoming slim to none.
ZapWorks
An integrated Augmented Reality ecosystem, ZapWorks allows designers, developers, and marketers to effortlessly create eye-catching WebAR experiences using a suite of tools with options for no-code, low-code, or custom-coded implementations.
ZapWorks Top Features
- ZapWorks Designer: A simple platform that uses a drag-and-drop system, eliminating the need for downloads or coding, perfect for straightforward WebAR design.
- ZapWorks Studio: An advanced tool for AR content creation, combining a user-friendly visual UI with the versatility of a code editor.
- Various Tracking Types: Includes world tracking, image tracking, and a robust face tracking system suitable for web applications. Tracks multiple faces and 3D mesh for life-like, feature-rich facial animations.
- Enterprise-scale Deployment: Offers branding, hosting, priority support, security, and more for business implementation.
| Special Features | Details |
|---|---|
| ZapWorks Hackathon | An AR content creation competition that fosters creativity and AR community expansion. |
| AR Training | Provides specialised AR training for creating impactful AR experiences. |
| ZapWorks Studio 6 | Targets lowering the tech-barrier for interactive short-form mobile content generation. |
ZapWorks Limitations
- Some critics argue that the UX is not perfect, suggesting it may limit creative freedom or impose constraints on industry standard formats.
- Disappointing reports about limited features like world tracking and cylindrical tracking for WebAR.
- Some users find its interface and features challenging to navigate and use.
ZapWorks Pricing
Prices vary for diverse users, including personal, business, and education, and also for app embed. Advertise your specifics for better service.
ZapWorks Use Cases
Educational Use
It is vastly employed in the realm of education, enhancing classroom learning and training programs through interactive AR content.
AR Content Creation
ZapWorks offers an efficient AR content creation platform for developing standalone AR experiences, popular among developers for its ease of use, unnecessary coding requirements, and AR customization.
Product Demonstrations
World-class brands trust ZapWorks for product visualizations and demonstrations, leveraging AR to drive innovation and boost sales and marketing efforts.
UniteAR
Step into the future with UniteAR, a wondrous window into the realm of augmented reality. This free app by iBoson Innovations opens a satchel of virtual treasures, offering over 100 3D models and an engaging AR gallery. It’s here to turn boring into beguiling and ordinary into astonishing – without you needing to code a single line!
UniteAR Top Features
- Revolutionary 3D modeling at your fingertips. Who knew you could be a sculptor in cyberspace?
- Get dizzy, literally, with our 360-degree content.
- Tap 3D models to play audio, visit websites, make calls, send emails. Who says you can’t multitask in augmented reality?
- No coding required for custom AR experiences. It’s like having a magic wand!
- Record, share AR experiences. Seriously? Yeah, it’s like show-and-tell for the 21st century.
| UniteAR Advantage | What it Means for You |
|---|---|
| Free and no coding required | Saves you time, money, and keeps carpal tunnel at bay! |
| Customizable AR experiences | Personalize your virtual realm. Your reality, you rule! |
UniteAR Limitations
- Does not support transparent GIF files, so no sneaky invisible memes here!
- The app is optimized only for iOS 11.1 or later and MacOS 11.0 or later. Android users, we feel your pain.
UniteAR Pricing
At UniteAR, we play nice and share our AR goodies for free! But for those who want additional features, there are options for in-app purchases.
UniteAR Use Cases
Educators
Bringing a T-Rex to life in a classroom? With UniteAR, you can turn lectures into interactive, unforgettable experiences.
Creators
AR-infuse your masterpieces without the fuss of coding. Artists, do we have a tool for you!
Businesses
Inject excitement into your marketing and advertising campaigns. Who wouldn’t pay attention to a 3D product demo?
Augment
Swimming through the digital frontiers, meet Augment! Brimming with transformative power, this dynamic Augmented Reality (AR) tool maximizes real-world experiences by overlaying digital visual, auditory or other sensory stimuli.
Augment’s Outstanding Features
- An interactive experience, amplifying user’s real-world environment with computer-generated elements.
- Encompasses both marker-based and marker-less AR types, providing flexible image and information display options.
- Supports a multitude of business applications, from mobile computing and retail marketing to healthcare and entertainment sectors.
| Hardware Integration | Augment easily integrates with established hardware components like processors, sensors, a display and input devices. |
| Improved Accessibility | Augment makes various products, equipment and even body systems more accessible and safer to use, boosting usability and safety alike. |
| Enhanced Collaboration | AR’s augmentation of reality fosters better collaboration and safer working conditions. |
Augment’s Constraints
- Limited immersive experience as compared to Virtual Reality (VR) which creates its own environment.
- Reliance on a cloud-connected Industry 4.0 ecosystem including big data, automated robots, for full functionality.
Augment Pricing
Unfortunately, specific pricing details for Augment aren’t provided. We encourage you to directly contact Augment to get an accurate cost break-up suiting your specific AR needs.
Augment Use Cases
Use Case 1 – Retail Marketing
Augment sets your brand in motion! It’s the silent salesperson, a virtual demo of your products/services, enhancing consumer experiences and skyrocketing your sales figures. Bring your store to your customer’s living room and watch your sales skyrocket!
Use Case 2 – Medical Training
Pioneering safety and precision, Augment offers 3D visualization of body systems, propelling medical education to unprecedented heights. Vital for understanding complex anatomical structures, it’s the stethoscope of the digital age.
Use Case 3 – Industrial Manufacturing
Augment breathes life into your blueprints! From product visualization to safer and efficient factory operations, Augment supercharges the manufacturing industry, ensuring every widget and cog fits just right.
Onirix
From the technological avenues of Spain, behold Onirix – a platform tailored for interactive and intuitive AR content creation and publishing. Delve into a universe of modernity that demands no app installation, negligible technical skills, and caters to a multitude of sectors.
Onirix Top Features
- Experience Editor: Embodies simplicity, making AR content creation a breeze even for non-tech-savvy individuals.
- Multiple Component Integration: Capable of incorporating videos, 3D models, audio files, and interactive elements, making the AR experience manifold.
- WebAR Player: Guarantees seamless transmission across digital platforms without the need for a separate app.
- Geolocated Maps: Spatial context adds depth to the AR experience.
- Unity Via SDK: Enhanced device permission management for iOS users.
| Unrivalled Interactivity | User interaction is ascended to unprecedented realms with the dynamic interconnection between multiple elements. |
| Diverse User Base | Nonprofits, graphic designs, IT services, software firms, program development – you name it! |
| Direct AR Visualization | An immersive experience served straight from your web browser. App installation is so passe! |
Onirix Downsides
- Lack of flexibility in pricing. The absence of a ‘pay as you go’ license model might force projects on pause to rethink their budgets.
- While feature-rich, the pricing could come across as steep for startups, specifically smaller scale companies.
Onirix Pricing
Prepare to invest from €89 per month for the Onirix magic. If uncertain, a free trial awaits your exploration. Idealistic yet considerate; that’s Onirix for you.
Onirix Use Cases
Use case 1 – Retail Stores
Enhance your store experience with Onirix’s geolocated maps. Take shopping to a virtual level that integrates seamlessly with physical space.
Use case 2 – Tourism
Travel agencies, make your customers’ journey more engaging with AR elements. Onirix turns sightseeing into a breathtaking interactive experience.
Use case 3 – Restaurants
Watery mouth at the sight of a digital 3D-model of the meal you’re about to order, anyone? Yes, Onirix can make your culinary dreams come true.
ARCore
Developed and backed by Google, ARCore is a cutting-edge technology for conceiving augmented reality experiences. Empowered by several APIs, ARCore allows your phone to sense its surroundings and interact with data.
ARCore Top Features
- Motion Tracking: ARCore successfully tracks the position of your mobile device as it moves.
- Environmental Understanding: ARCore builds a comprehensible understanding of the real world.
- Light Estimation: ARCore estimates the environment’s current lighting conditions.
- Device Compatibility: Supports a variety of Android phones running on Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later.
| APIs | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Streetscape Geometry API | Provides a 3D mesh within a 100m radius of the user’s location. |
| Geospatial Depth API | Improves depth measurements up to 65m using building and terrain data. |
| Scene Semantics API | Uses AI to label every pixel in an outdoor scene. |
ARCore Downsides
- Some users have reported issues with Google Maps live view compatibility.
- Instances of unauthorized installation of Google Apps have been pointed out.
ARCore Pricing
ARCore is freely accessible. No pricing structure is implicated as it’s a part of the Google suite.
ARCore Use Cases
Use Case 1
With ARCore’s environmental understanding capability, real estate developers can design immersive tours of properties.
Use Case 2
In the gaming industry, ARCore enhances the gaming experience by integrating digital content into the real world scenario.
Use Case 3
In education, ARCore can assist in creating interactive and engaging AR lessons, enhancing understanding and retention.
ARKit
Introduced by Apple in 2017, ARKit redefines user experience through innovative AR technologies compatible with iOS devices. Utilizing integral iOS resources, it revolutionizes the gaming, shopping, and industrial sectors by introducing virtual objects within real-world environments.
ARKit Top Features
- 4K Video Capture for AR experiences: Elevates video editing, film production, and social media applications.
- Location Anchors expansion: Extends to cities including Montreal, Sydney, Singapore, and Tokyo.
- Improved Motion Capture: Effectively captures human movements, enhancing AR experiences.
- Simultaneous use of Front and Back Cameras: Enables interaction with AR content through facial expressions.
- High-Resolution Image Capture during AR Sessions: Enhances image quality.
| Scene Geometry | Maps space with labels for floors, walls, etc. |
| People Occlusion | Allows AR content to realistically pass behind and in front of people in the real world. |
| Motion Capture | Detects up to 100 images simultaneously, improving physical object recognition in 3D. |
ARKit Limitations
- Requires environments with good lighting and a flat surface for optimally effective Visual Inertial Odometry.
- Depends on camera, processors, and motion sensors of iOS devices for functionality.
ARKit Use Cases
Use case 1
AR shopping applications leverage ARKit to provide shoppers with a virtual fitting room experience. They can view how clothes will look on them without physically trying them on.
Use case 2
AR gaming applications use ARKit to enhance gameplay with immersive augmented reality. This technology allows games to project virtual elements within real-world environments, facilitating a thorough intertwining of digital and physical realities.
Use case 3
ARKit can significantly augment industrial processes. Workers can use ARKit-enabled applications for real-time situational information, helping them make more informed decisions on-the-spot.
Unity
The potent game development engine, Unity, broke onto the stage nigh on 2005 and has been on a roll, enabling developers to brainwork and birth games across multiple platforms and genres. Functioning on a multitude of operating systems, Unity stands as a bulwark for varied application creations ushering from Augmented Reality to 3D simulations.
Unity’s Top-Notch Features
- Cross-Platform: Devise and dart your games across Android, iOS, and more.
- Multi-OSE: Adaptability and malleability with diverse operating systems.
- From AR to 3D Simulations: Unfettered freedom to craft a spectrum of applications.
- Loaded Tech Suite: Packed with indispensable tools, impressive rendering technology, and intuitive features.
- Asset Hub: Harbor to a wide array of pre-designed textures and features in its pixel-plentiful asset store.
| Community | Fraud Detection |
|---|---|
| A hyperactive developer community for assistance. | Unity avows adopting anti-fraud measures to shield developers. |
| Coding Languages | Learning Atmosphere |
| Whether JavaScript, BOO script, or C#, Unity embraces you. | Sparkling forums encouraging constant learning and communication. |
Unity’s Downsides
- Development community’s ongoing concerns about sudden pricing shifts.
- Diminished trust post pricing and policy remodel.
- Developers fret over potential abuse of per-install fees.
Unity Pricing
Come January 2024, Unity will reinvent their pricing model. Developers will pony up a fee for each game installation. Interactions prior to the due date will be noted but won’t pull a fee. Unity’s fee is applicable only post your game crossing the $200,000 revenue benchmark or surpassing 200,000 installs. Note: Unity no longer offers the Unity Plus subscription tier.
Unity Use Cases
Indie Game Developers
Unity flaunts durable tools for Indie developers for creative game conceptualization and seamless execution across various platforms.
AR/VR Game Creation
A_ptronauts exploring the realms of AR/VR can lean on Unity for immersive and quality game creation.
Game Development Education
Unity serves as a fertile ground for those venturing into game development. Its rich resources and active community form a learning haven for novices.
Spark AR
Spark AR, an augmented reality (AR) platform, is targeted towards launching brand campaigns predominantly on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. It also serves as a productive tool for individual AR creators, developers, and freelancers aiming to produce immersive AR experiences.
Spark AR Top Features
- Speedy creation of AR filters.
- Seamless bridging of user-product gap.
- Provision of rich asset support via the Spark AR Library.
- Easy transfer of effects to social media platforms.
- Facilitates creation of AR experiences with minimal scripting knowledge.
- Furnishes users with a comprehensive software environment for 2D and 3D AR content creation.
- Simplifies movement tracking with Spark AR Player.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Spark AR Studio | Primary platform for creating AR experiences |
| Spark AR Hub | Enables publishing effects, monitoring progress, and checking interaction rates |
| Spark AR Player | Preview tool for checking AR effects, simplifies movement tracking and storing drafts |
Spark AR Limitations
- Requires high computational power.
- AR experiences are predominantly supported only on Facebook and Instagram.
- Strict community guidelines for AR effect construction.
Spark AR Pricing
Spark AR Studio presents itself as an open-source platform and is free to download and use. However, it requires a Facebook login for access.
Spark AR Use Cases
Use Case 1: Brand Campaigns
Spark AR has proven useful in launching brand campaigns, especially on social media platforms, due to its easy transfer of effects and AR filter creation capabilities. It enhances product reach, driving brand awareness and promotion.
Use Case 2: Individual AR Creators
With the support of Spark AR Library and minimal requirement of scripting knowledge, individual AR creators find easy navigation and operation, thereby boosting their creative output.
Use Case 3: Developers
Developers find Spark AR beneficial owing to its technical features like the provision of a comprehensive software environment for elaborate 2D and 3D AR content creation, facilitating a user-product interaction never experienced before.
8th Wall
Founded in Palo Alto, 8th Wall is Niantic Inc’s award-winning AR developer platform, offering web-based augmented reality (WebAR). Its vision is accessible AR for all, with no app required for users to experience their technology.
8th Wall Top Features
- 6-DoF Tracking: 6 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) tracking for precise and immersive AR experiences.
- Face Effects: Enhance tracking and filters, including iris tracking and multi-face support.
- AR Code: A user-friendly webAR platform utilising AR QR Codes for anchoring and accessing AR content, compatible across devices and browsers.
- Cloud Editor: A cloud-based coding environment offering advanced features such as wireless debugging and push-button publishing.
- SLAM System: A robust SLAM engine ensuring accurate experiences in sync with viewer’s surroundings.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightship VPS | Ensures accurate AR alignment with real-world locations. |
| Hand Tracking | Tracks entire hand including palm, wrist, fingers, and knuckles for enhanced interactivity. |
| Image Target Tracking | Scans flat and curved surfaces for AR placement. |
8th Wall Limitations
- Requires understanding of web technologies like JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5 for creating AR experiences.
- Commercial license costing exceeds beyond 2000 USD per month.
- No compatibility with Apple Vision Pro Headset. Relies solely on webAR technology.
8th Wall Pricing
8th Wall follows a higher price model with a commercial license exceeding 2000 USD per month.
8th Wall Use Cases
Use case 1: Retail
8th Wall’s hand tracking feature is implemented in retail for placing virtual objects like rings or watches on human hands – offering a virtual try-on experience.
Use case 2: Gaming
The technology offers heightened gaming experiences by enabling greater interactivity with virtual objects.
Use case 3: Education
Encourages interactive learning by using AR to augment the educational process.
WebXR
At the forefront of the AR and VR evolution, WebXR bridges the virtual and augmented realities. By employing low latency and high precision, it revolutionizes the creation of immersive 3D art, and VR tools.
WebXR Top Features
- Unified platform to create AR and VR content.
- High precision and low latency for real-time user experience.
- WebXR Device API to enhance performance and increase data security.
- Supported by major browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
- Toolkits and libraries including AR.js, Three.js, A-Painter XR, A-Frame, and ARCore are compatible.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| WebXR Device API | Supports access to VR devices like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, and more. |
| Usage for various applications | Used to create interactive 3D art, 360-degree videos, immersive entertainment, and model visualizations. |
| Support for major VR builts & frameworks | Seamless integration with Unity and Blender for web exports. |
WebXR Limitations
- Web disruptions higher than 20ms might impact user experience.
- Developer is expected to manage 3D data display and rendering, as WebXR is not a rendering technology.
WebXR Use Cases
Use case 1
For creators seeking to design interactive 3D art, WebXR provides the tools necessary to produce immersive art pieces.
Use case 2
It’s ideal for VR game developers as this platform supports major VR devices and integrates VR controller support.
Use case 3
For educational purposes, especially e-learning platforms to create 360-degree video tutorials and immersive study content.
ViewAR
Established in Austria, ViewAR has carved its own path in the AR realm since 2011, offering wide-ranging AR solutions adorned with a self-service portal/SDK for intricate customizations, supported with the unique visual recognition capability to persistently establish user location for immersive AR experiences.
ViewAR’s Pinnacle Features
- Visual recognition: Establishes user location for immersive AR experience
- Matterport Model API: For robust spatial data handling
- INDOAR: A unique product for AR-guided tours
- Multifaceted solutions: Encompassing remote assistance, product visualization, indoor navigation/guidance, Industry 4.0 and IoT applications
| Partnership Factors | Teamed up with Matterport and Omnia for innovative application creation and promoting digital transformation |
| AR Suite for Industries | Step-by-step instructions, remote assistance, OT data display on locations in the digital twin, and spatial data integration |
| Service AR | A dedicated application for service and maintenance processes optimization |
ViewAR Limitations
- Limited user guidance may require end-users to depend on experienced developers for customization
- The learning curve for successfully implementing Service AR
- Documentation and technical support can be improved
ViewAR Pricing
ViewAR operates on a quote-based pricing model, implying costs vary based on specific user needs.
ViewAR Use Cases
Use Case 1: AR-Guided Tours
ViewAR’s indoor AR product, INDOAR, empowers cultural institutions like museums. It has been successfully implemented in Vienna Technical Museum, capably guiding visitors across an enormous area of 200,000 sqft, illustrating the magnificent use of AR technology in enhancing user experiences.
Use Case 2: Industry 4.0 and IoT
In Industry 4.0 and IoT applications, ViewAR’s AR solutions grant device connectivity and interaction in real-time, propelling proactive maintenance schedules, eliminating unanticipated downtimes, and driving operational efficiencies to new heights.
Use Case 3: Service and Maintenance
Service AR, another ViewAR’s application, works wonders in overhauling service and maintenance protocols. By utilizing cutting-edge AR strategies, it aids organizations to visualize data and construct AR workflows, contributing to significant process optimization and productivity.”
Adobe Aero
Sparking digital creativity, Adobe Aero is an intuitive AR creation tool that requires no coding or intricate knowledge of 3D design.
Adobe Aero Top Features
- Seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Adobe Creative Cloud applications for data import.
- Enables interactive experiences, behavioral content triggers, and object motion paths.
- Offers preview mode for editing visualization, interactions testing, and sharing insights.
- Viewer mode for checking the real-time impact of your creations.
- Frequent updates focused on stability & performance improvements.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| App Integration | Enhances workflows by synchronising with Adobe Creative Cloud suite. |
| Sharing power | Supports App Clips for speedy loading experiences and circumvents Aero app installation. |
Adobe Aero Disadvantages
- Limited to iOS devices, excluding a large share of smartphone users.
- Lacks advanced features offered by other AR platforms.
- Known to have minor bugs and an audio issue during social media uploads.
Adobe Aero Pricing
Adobe Aero ushers in a cost-effective innovation in AR. It’s free to use, making augmented reality creation accessible to all.
Adobe Aero Use Cases
Use Case 1
Artists, Adobe Aero is your creative companion! It amalgamates your imaginative prowess with the digital world, bringing your masterpieces to life in the realm of AR.
Use Case 2
Educators, bring excitement into the classrooms! With Adobe Aero, make learning interactive & engaging. Discover the potential of AR in pedagogy!
Use Case 3
Marketers, transcend boundaries with immersive storytelling. Adobe Aero empowers you to captivate your audience with riveting AR experiences.
Zappar
Enter the realm of augmented reality (AR) with Zappar, a leading XR platform and creative studio with over 12 years of seasoned experience in AR domain. In an era of immersive technologies, Zappar carves a niche for itself by offering an end-to-end camera strategy and XR solution that spans content creation, management, and publishing.
Zappar Top Features
- ZapWorks: A state-of-the-art toolkit for the creation of custom AR experiences.
- World Tracking and Facial Tracking: Enhancing the immersive experience through responsive and interactive AR content.
- Automatic Features: Tailored for intermediate coders, simplifying the content creation process.
- Advanced Scripting Editor: A tool for master coders to script their immersive visions into reality.
- Accessible QR Code: An innovative feature that makes the technology accessible to the blind and partially sighted.
- Zappar App: Hosts AR experiences on iOS & Android, bringing your creations to the palms of users.
- Mobile Web Support: A beta version enabling app-less AR experiences.
- Integration with Sketchfab’s 3D model library: Enables the creation of rich and detailed AR scenes.
| Experience | 12 years in the AR industry, making it a reliable and seasoned platform. |
| Domains | Caters to a vast array of sectors including Packaging, Retail, Learning & Development, Marketing, Tours, etc. |
| Brand Trust | Chosen by big-name brands which signals its credibility in the market. |
Zappar Downsides
- Limited mobile web support for app-less AR experiences. Currently available as a beta version.
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with AR creation tools.
Zappar Use Cases
Marketing
Zappar enhances brand storytelling and customer engagement by creating captivating AR experiences. With increased engagement, businesses can expect a boost in brand loyalty and conversion rates.
Learning & Development
Integration of AR in learning modules can tremendously enhance the learning experience. Zappar lends this ability, promising increased memorability and productivity.
Retail
Incorporating AR in the retail space allows for immersive product interactions that elevate shopping experiences, leading to an improved connection with consumers.
Blippar
A pioneer in the field of augmented reality, Blippar launched as the UK’s first tech unicorn, specializing in AR content creation and publishing. With a rich history dating back to 2011 and partnerships with esteemed brands such as Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, and L’Oréal, it consistently pushes the boundaries of AR innovation.
Blippar Top Features
- World’s first AR product launch with OnePlus Nord
- Expansion into platforms for Google Glass, VR, machine learning, AI
- Introduction of AR car recognition and location-based AR technology
- Free-to-use Blippbuilder, a no-code AR creation tool
| Visual Search Engine | Prioritization of AR-creation SaaS |
|---|---|
| In 2016, innovatively launched a visual search engine utilizing AR | Pivoted from creating AR experiences to offering a SaaS platform dedicated to AR creation, enhancing access to this vibrant tech |
| Facial recognition API | AR game creation |
| Developed an API for business integration, adding depth to customer interaction | Pioneered in creating AR games, like one for Cadbury, enriching brand experiences |
Blippar Disadvantages
- Hit financial difficulties in 2018 resulting in the filing of insolvency proceedings
- The pivot from AR experiences to SaaS model might limit creative opportunities
Blippar Use Cases
Use case 1 – Advertising
For advertisers wanting a unique spin on product launches. Blippar’s history of successful AR launches, like the OnePlus Nord, creates exciting, user-interactive campaigns.
Use case 2 – Auto Industry
Blippar’s AR car recognition technology presents massive potential for auto brands to deliver model-specific content to potential buyers.
Use case 3 – Marketing
Marketers can use Blippar’s SaaS platform for AR creation to design engaging, immersive campaigns, thereby making a more significant impact.
