What are the best augmented reality software?
Here are the best augmented reality software currently available on the market.
1. Sketchfab: B2B ally of 3D modeling and Augmented Reality
Sketchfab is an online platform for sharing and visualizing 3D models, offering augmented reality features for e-commerce.
By easily integrating with websites and e-commerce sales platforms, Sketchfab allows brands to present their products in 3D and augmented reality, creating an immersive and interactive experience for consumers.
Key features
- Interactive 3D visualization of results directly within the web browser (SaaS), with no application required
- Augmented reality mode to place and visualize products in the consumer's real environment
- Automatic conversion of 3D files into an optimized web format for fast loading
- Easy integration with the main e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce)
- Detailed statistics to track user engagement with 3D models
Pricing
- Free account with limited storage and bandwidth
- Paid subscriptions starting at $12/month, with advanced features and extended limits
- Tailor-made options for large businesses and specific needs
❤️ Critical review : Sketchfab is the dream solution for BtoC actors to easily add augmented reality to their portfolio. 360° 3D product visualization, without an app... Enough to engage and convert customers!
👍 Pros : Allows augmented reality without an app on all OS. Ideal for e-commerce and portfolios. Rich library of 3D models. Accessible rates.
👎 Cons : Limited 3D interactions. Customization of reduced scenes. Requires optimized 3D models.
LEARN MORE: Check out the Sketchfab website
2. ARKit (Apple): Powerful for iOS devices
ARKit is the augmented reality software development kit (SDK) designed by Apple for iOS devices.
This SDK offers advanced motion tracking, 3D rendering, and image recognition capabilities, allowing developers to create immersive and innovative AR experiences. ARKit takes full advantage of the latest technology in Apple devices to offer high-quality augmented reality applications.
Key features
- Precise and stable motion tracking for seamless integration of virtual elements into the real world
- High quality 3D rendering with support for lighting and occlusion effects for optimal realism
- Recognizing 3D images and objects to trigger contextual AR experiences
- Integration with other Apple frameworks (Metal, SceneKit, SpriteKit) for extended creative possibilities
- Complete documentation for a quick start
Pricing
- Free for developers registered in the Apple Developer Program
- Requires a compatible iOS device (iPhone 6s or newer, iPad Pro, iPad 2017 or newer)
❤️ Critical review : ARKit brilliantly uses the capabilities of Apple devices. Powerful and intuitive, it opens the door to stunningly realistic and fluid things.
👍 Pros : Precise motion tracking. Ultra realistic 3D rendering. Optimized detection of planes and images. Built on the Apple ecosystem.
👎 Cons : Limited to recent Apple devices. Requires Swift/Objective-C skills. Some material constraints.
LEARN MORE: Check out the ARKit website
3. ARCore (Google): Powerful for Android devices
ARCore is the augmented reality software development kit (SDK) developed by Google.
Optimized for a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets, ARCore makes it possible to create professional experiences, making augmented reality accessible to a wider audience.
Key features
- Precise motion and environment tracking for realistic integration of virtual elements
- Estimation of ambient light for an adaptive and coherent rendering of 3D objects
- Detection of horizontal and vertical planes for natural interaction with real surfaces
- Anchors and experience sharing for multi-user collaboration in real time
- Integration with tools like Android Studio or Sceneform
Pricing
- Free for developers
- Works on most recent Android devices (Android 7.0 or newer, ARCore compatible)
❤️ Critical review : ARCore democratizes augmented reality by giving access to it on the Android ecosystem. Robust and flexible, it allows the creation of high-end immersive experiences on a wide range of devices.
👍 Pros : Compatible with a variety of Android devices. Precise environment detection. Interoperable with OpenGL, Unity, and Unreal. Well documented.
👎 Cons : Android fragmentation to manage. Limitations depending on the device's sensors. Less intuitive than ARKit.
LEARN MORE: Check out the ARCore website
4. Vuforia (PTC): Industrial and versatile platform
Vuforia is an augmented reality platform developed by PTC, offering a complete and mature solution for industrial and commercial applications. Designed to meet a variety of needs,
The platform offers advanced 3D object recognition, tracking, and rendering capabilities, allowing you to create professional and efficient AR experiences.
Key features
- Recognizing 3D objects and markers to trigger contextual AR experiences
- Robust and accurate tracking in a variety of lighting and environmental conditions
- Intuitive AR content creation tools (Vuforia Studio) for increased productivity
- Support for multiple devices and platforms (iOS, Android, UWP, Unity)
- Optimized and scalable SDKs for industrial AR applications
Pricing
- 30-day free trial
- Commercial licenses starting at $99/month, with various options depending on needs and volumes
- Free education licenses for educational institutions and students
❤️ Critical review : Vuforia is the ultimate AR platform for professional applications. Advanced 3D recognition, mixed reality, IoT... She masters all the functions of augmented reality software!
👍 Pros : Advanced 3D object recognition aid. Supports multiple platforms. Well suited to industrial cases. Good documentation and support.
👎 Cons : Can be complex for beginners. Relatively expensive licenses. Customization is sometimes limited.
LEARN MORE: Check out the Vuforia website
5. Unity: Powerful game engine with built-in AR tools
Unity is a popular cross-platform game engine, offering powerful tools for developing augmented reality and virtual reality applications. Its native integration with ARKit, ARCore, and Vuforia allows developers to create immersive and interactive AR experiences.
The platform combines the advanced features of a comprehensive game engine with augmented reality filters and tools, making it easy to create innovative and engaging applications.
Key features
- Intuitive visual editor for creating 3D scenes and managing assets
- Scripting in C# to define object interactions and behaviors
- Native support for popular AR SDKs (ARKit, ARCore, Vuforia) for simplified development
- High-performance graphics rendering with scriptable rendering pipelines
- Cross-platform deployment from a single code base
- Interface in English and French
Pricing
- Free Personal version for beginners and small projects
- Plus and Pro subscriptions starting at $40/month, with advanced features and preferred support
- Enterprise options for large businesses and development studios
❤️ Critical review : Unity is much more than a gaming engine. Its integrated tools make it an ideal environment for prototyping and deploying each project from your computer.
👍 Pros : Easy to set up and access. Compatible with ARKit, ARCore, Vuforia Great for interactive 3D projects Great community.
👎 Cons : Less suitable for “classic” 2D AR. Learning curve for non-devs. Potentially expensive licenses.
LEARN MORE: Check out the Unity website
6. Kudan: Lightweight and versatile for various platforms
Kudan is a lightweight and powerful augmented reality software development kit (SDK) designed to deliver quality AR experiences across a broad range of devices and platforms.
Its tracking capabilities with or without markers and its extensive optimization allow developers to create fluid and immersive AR applications, while maintaining a minimal system footprint.
Key features
- Precise and stable tracking based on SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology
- Recognizing and tracking 2D markers for contextual AR experiences
- Markerless tracking for seamless integration of virtual elements into the real environment
- Extensive optimization for high performance, even on entry-level devices
- Support for multiple platforms (iOS, Android,, Windows, MacOS, Linux)
Pricing
- Free SDK
- Commercial licenses starting at $500/year, with support and advanced features
- Customized options for the needs of large projects and enterprise deployments
❤️ Critical review : Kudan is a little-known but extremely effective AR SDK. Light and efficient, it offers robust tracking with or without markers on all types of devices.
👍 Pros : Fluid and accurate tracking. Works even with a modest device. Supports multiple platforms. Attractive rates.
👎 Cons : Less feature-rich. Limited documentation and support. Small community
LEARN MORE: Check out the Kuda's website
7. Zappar: Intuitive for content creators
Zappar is an easy to learn platform for creating augmented reality experiences, ideal for small businesses, creative agencies, and content creators.
Its intuitive tools and scalable infrastructure make it possible to design, publish, and manage engaging AR campaigns without requiring extensive technical skills.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop visual editor for creating interactive AR experiences
- Recognizing images and QR codes to trigger AR experiences
- Integration of various multimedia content (images, videos, 3D models, sounds)
- Analysis of performance and user interactions thanks to integrated analytical tools
- Instant publishing of AR experiences via the Zappar Viewer or a custom app
Pricing
- Free account with basic features and a Zappa brand
- Paid subscriptions starting at £45/month, with advanced features and a personalized brand identity
- Options for large businesses and agencies, with dedicated support
❤️ Critical review : Zappa is the ideal platform to democratize AR. His online studio makes it easy to create fun and interactive zaps without Coding. The perfect companion for creative campaigns!
👍 Pros : Immediate handling. Templates and assets included. Great for gamification and storytelling. Accessible rates.
👎 Cons : Limited advanced creations. Weak 3D interactions. Requires the Zappa app to stream.
LEARN MORE: Check out the Zappar website
What is augmented reality software?
Augmented reality software is a computer program that allows virtual elements (images, videos, 3D) to be superimposed on the user's perception of their real environment, in real time.
This technology produces an immersive and interactive experience, blending real world and digital content.
Key functionalities of an augmented reality software
To create engaging and effective augmented reality experiences, it is crucial to choose software that offers advanced features.
Here are the key characteristics to look for:
- Precise recognition of the environment : the software must be able to accurately detect and track real world movements, planes, and objects for the smooth integration of virtual elements.
- Intuitive 3D content creation tools : 3D modeling, texturing, and animation features available to non-developers allow for rapid creation
- Natural and varied interactions : the software must offer different modes of interaction with virtual elements, such as gestures, voices or the eye, for an intuitive and immersive user experience.
- Multi-media compatibility : to reach a large audience, the software must be compatible with a wide variety of devices or plug-ins, from smartphones to augmented reality glasses to tablets.
- Collaboration and sharing : Real-time collaboration and simplified sharing of AR experiences (XE AR) are essential for team projects and distribution to as many people as possible.
- Performance and stability : the software must offer optimal performance and high stability, even when processing complex scenes, to ensure a smooth and latency-free user experience.
- Data analytics and tracking : built-in analytics tools track the performance of AR experiences and user behavior for continuous improvement.
- Documentation and support : comprehensive documentation and responsive technical support are essential to facilitate the use of the software and to quickly resolve any problems.
By choosing augmented reality software that integrates these key features, you'll be in a position to create AR experiences that are innovative, engaging, and technically flawless. Enough to impress your users and stand out from the competition!
Current and future use cases
Augmented reality is constantly developing and conquering new fields of application.
Thanks to its ability to merge virtual and real elements, it offers endless possibilities for improving our daily lives and professions, whether for entertainment, education or the professional world.
Some of the sectors that are already taking advantage of augmented reality include:
- Retail : with the virtual try-on of clothes, the 3D visualization of products in situation or even interactive buying guides for an enriched customer experience.
- The industry : augmented reality makes it possible to assist operators in real time for complex tasks and to train employees in an immersive and effective way.
- Education : by exploring abstract concepts in a concrete way, by offering realistic simulations and interactive course learning, augmented reality is revolutionizing the way we learn.
- The entertainment : from augmented reality games to immersive artistic experiences to virtual tours of iconic places, augmented reality pushes the boundaries of creativity.
But that is only the beginning! In the near future, augmented reality could profoundly transform many other areas:
- Health, with surgical assistance in augmented reality or immersive therapies to treat certain disorders.
- Tourism, thanks to personalized interactive tourist guides enriching the exploration of new places with 3D modeling
- Urbanism, by making it possible to visualize architectural projects in real situations and to interact with them.
The possibilities are endless and new applications are emerging every day.
There is no doubt that augmented reality will be one of the pillars of our society in the years to come, transforming the way we work, learn, communicate, and play.
By integrating virtual elements into our perception of the real world in a fluid and natural way, augmented reality opens the doors to a future where imagination becomes reality.
What hardware to take full advantage of augmented reality?
For optimal augmented reality experiences, several types of devices are available:
- Smartphones and tablets : equipped with cameras and sensors, they allow easy access to AR apps
- Augmented reality glasses : they offer a more immersive experience and hands-free interactions (e.g. Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap)
- AR contact lenses : still under development, they could eventually offer a total fusion between real and virtual
The choice of equipment will depend on the desired use, the budget and the level of immersion sought.
But one thing is certain: augmented reality will soon be everywhere around us, ready to transform our daily lives!
Summary.
Virtual and augmented reality uses mobile phones and augmented reality applications to bring the virtual world closer to the real world.
It is the next step after the traditional use of applications on our phones.
If your business wants to improve efficiency, productivity, and sales, you should consider creating your own virtual and augmented reality applications.
The combination of mixed reality, virtual reality, and augmented reality can change the way your business operates.
To summarize, the best augmented reality software of the moment are:
- SketchFab: Best global solution for augmented reality.
- ARKit: Best solution for using geolocation in AR.
- Kudan: Best for Unity integration.
Learn more: Want to know more about virtual tools to improve your business and the experience it produces and offers its customers?
Take a look at my list of the best virtual conference platforms that allow you to connect with people from all over the world.
Plus, here's a list of the best virtual tour software to help you get started creating virtual tours of your business or property.
