Difference Between AR and QR Codes
What Are the Different Types of Augmented Reality Applications?
- Marker-based applications
- Location-based applications
Developing Augmented Reality Web and Mobile Apps
- The AR.js Framework
- Create Your Marker Image
- Design Your Model
What to Consider When Choosing an Augmented Reality SDK Kit
An Exciting Future with AR QR Codes
AR QR codes are the evolutionary step into immersive touchpoints, providing a richer and more memorable Customer Experience (CX). And by 2023, the AR and VR market is estimated to be worth between $70 and $75 billion.
Allowing users to see, experience, and interact with a simulated environment, AR and VR are anticipated to have a massive impact on commercial, consumer, and enterprise businesses.
An AR code is a QR code with a marker for AR.js that redirects users to a chosen AR web app or mobile app for an extra dimension with interactive and visually stimulating content in the physical world.
This blog will explore AR QR codes and just why they’re trending:
AR Codes for a Superior Marketing Strategy
Consumers have become the protagonists of every social media and streaming platform (i.e., Instagram and TikTok), which should also be said for campaigns. Those targeting their customers and trying to give them a memorable and unique experience are the ones creating impactful and effective AR experiences.
Whereas those focused on trying to market their brand are the ones missing the mark.
Giving customers a chance to view products in 3D offers a new standard of campaigning. A recent report has found that 79% of 13-39-year-olds are interested in AR experiences.
There are 2 main reasons why AR codes provide a superior marketing strategy:
It Creates a Memorable Experience
Creating a new and novel customer touchpoint, AR can be used in packaging for an interactive experience. Not only does it invite customers to spend more time with the product, but it also creates a lasting impression of the experience.
As an up-and-coming trend, many people share their experiences with AR, which is ideal for building exposure and brand identity.
It’s Easy Access
More than 80% of American adults own a smartphone, which is ideal since they are all you need to access AR QR codes. An immersive and fun experience can be provided without the need for headsets or other expensive equipment.
Difference Between AR and QR Codes
Augmented reality (AR) uses computationally supplied information to provide a digitally enhanced real-world view distorted by 2D video and 3D animations.
To get AR to work, you need an AR marker that users can scan to see the interactive content. However, they will have to install the app or go to the website.
This is where Quick Response Codes (QR codes) come in.
QR codes are 2D barcodes that store alphanumeric information and are easy to scan using a smartphone. Allowing for multimedia content redirection, QR technology can instantly launch a unique experience.
What Are the Different Types of Augmented Reality Applications?
Marker-based applications
Markers in AR are the visual cues that offer visual information when triggered. Various markers are available, such as GPS Markers, Object Markers, and more.
These applications don’t need a real-world anchor for Augmented Reality.
Location-based applications
These applications tie the AR augmented reality content to a specific location.
Google Maps have recently introduced location-based AR that helps users navigate a city with the help of AR signals.
Developing Augmented Reality Web and Mobile Apps
The AR.js Framework
This JavaScript library allows developers to introduce AR features and functionalities using only a few lines of HTML. This framework includes cross-browser compatibility and supports both WebGL and WebRTC to function across Andriod and iPhone devices above iOS 11.
Other features of AR.js include:
- High performance up to 60fps (even on old devices)
- Open Source and accessible free of charge
- No need for additional or uncommon hardware
- It can be done with <10 lines of HTML
A drawback to AR.js is that it requires markers that are scanned for redirection to the web application to display the 3D model and are similar to QR codes.
Alternatives to AR.js are the AR platform Argon.js which doesn’t require a marker. However, it does need to be used in the Argon browser.
And there is WebXR Device API, which accommodates markerless AR, and it even utilizes a range of hardware like sensors and head-mounted displays.
Create Your Marker Image
Marker images work similarly to a QR code, where they can be scanned, and the web application will display the 3D model on top of it.
For a personalized touch, this marker image can be customized by uploading an image of your own choice to the marker training website.
Design Your Model
Ideally, keep this step simple and stick to the <a-box> shown in the code; but you can customize it by changing the color and opacity.
You can always come back to this stage and change this model. Just download a pre-made model from a website (i.e., Sketchfab) or create your own 3D model.
What to Consider When Choosing an Augmented Reality SDK Kit
Cost
Cost is a distinguishing mark of an AR SDK. For those looking to try AR development for the first time, it’s best to find one of the many free, open-source AD SDKs. Though they are extended with new features, these free options are limited.
Paid SDKs offer several pricing plans on the investment side, but this depends on the user’s needs.
Platforms
Nearly all AR toolkits support iOS and Android. Whereas the tools compatible with Windows and macOS are lacking.
However, an app can be built for Windows computers or smartphones using AR development kits that support the Universal Windows Platform (UWP).
Image Recognition
A must-have feature for any AR app, image recognition identifies objects, places, and images. Smartphones and other devices use machine vision with their camera and AI software to track these images to later overlay with animations, sound, HTML, content, and more.
3D Recognition and Tracking
Most commonly used in mobile games and e-commerce, 3D recognition and tracking are trending. It can even recognize three-dimensional objects like boxes, cylinders, and toys.
With tracking, an app can ‘understand’ and enhance user spaces inside buildings such as bus stations, airports, shopping malls, etc.
Unity Support
The most popular and powerful game engine worldwide, Unity, is usually used for developing computer games. However, it’s also utilized for making powerful AR apps.
Multipurpose tools like Unity can do anything from creating a cutting-edge experience to extending old ideas with new techniques.
OpenSceneGraph Support
An open-source 3D graphic toolkit, OpenSceneGraph support is used by app developers for computer games, AR & VR, modeling, and even scientific visualization.
Cloud Support vs. Local Storage
AR mobile applications can either be stored locally or in the cloud. This mainly comes down to the number of markers that will be created.
If there are multiple markers on the app, all this data should be stored in the cloud. Otherwise, the app will use up a lot of storage on devices.
On the other hand, storing markers locally on devices allows users to run the AR app offline. This is convenient for situations when no WIFI or mobile data is available.
GPS Support (geolocation)
Location-based AR applications must have a geolocation feature supported by the AR tool being used. GPS can be used in an array of applications such as Pokemon Go or everyday apps made to overlay data on nearby locations like restaurants.
SLAM Support
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is an algorithm that maps environments where the user is located and tracks their movements. With this feature, AR apps can remember the position of physical objects within environments and virtually position objects according to this.
An Exciting Future with AR QR Codes
As QR code development are on the rise with their practicality, a pairing with visually stimulating AR codes is ideal. But as this blog has shown, there are many things to consider.
AR QR codes have multiple possibilities; they can be used in advertising, campaigns, games, and even education. This trending solution is bound to be seen popping up in every industry.
People are excited about AR app possibilities. Even savvy developers are on-board with the trend because they know that demand for Augmented Reality QR codes is about to skyrocket.
With their experience and willingness to learn everything about AR QR, custom developers are an ideal match for in-house IT teams. Together they can seamlessly create an immersive and compelling experience.
An affordable application can be created with a dynamic duo of an IT team and outsourced software developers. The potential and excitement around AR QR codes mean that now is the time to jump on board the trend.
About Author
Author: Prem Khatri
Prem Khatri is the Vice President of Operations for Chetu, Inc., a global, custom software development company, where he oversees all development projects and technical operations. His primary responsibilities are to lead, track and manage technical teams that create custom software solutions. His background includes software development using C++, Java, and Microsoft technologies. Since joining Chetu in 2008, he has helped the company become an award-winning global presence in the customized software development field. Prior to joining Chetu, Prem worked for Tata Consultancy Services, as well as Blue Star Infotech, and is a graduate of both the University of Mumbai and Savitribai Phule Pune University. Prem is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
