After the launch of Apple’s ARKit a number of companies jumped on the augmented reality (AR) band wagon, one of them being online retail giant Amazon. In November Amazon added AR View to its mobile app, allowing users to place items in their homes prior to purchase. Now with the launch of Google’s ARCore 1.0., AR View is now available on compatible Android devices.
Just like the iOS version, Android users can now enjoy an enhanced shopping experience where they can then select from thousands of items – from living room, bedroom, kitchen and home office products to electronics, toys and games, home décor and more. These can then be digitally placed in their home prior to purchase.
To use AR View you’ll need one of the 13 different models supporting ARCore to begin with: Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL; Samsung’s Galaxy S8, S8+, Note8, S7 and S7 edge; LGE’s V30 and V30+ (Android O only); ASUS’s Zenfone AR; and OnePlus’s OnePlus 5. After downloading ARCore from the Google Play Store all you need to do is open the Amazon app, select the camera icon then choose AR View to enjoy AR shopping.
Google rolled out ARCore 1.0. at the end of last week prior to the start of Mobile World Congress (MWC) which began yesterday. While device support is limited at present Google has partnered with the likes of Samsung, Huawei, LGE, Motorola, ASUS, Xiaomi, HMD/Nokia, ZTE, Sony Mobile, and Vivo to bring compatibility to further smartphones during the course of 2018.
Amazon isn’t the only retailer delving into AR to improve the shopping experience. Mastercard teamed up with ODG and Qualcomm, Apple and IKEA, Redbubble, Lowe‘s and QVC have all looked to immersive technology to attract customers.
Expect that to grow over 2018, as AR becomes more attractive to developers with the addition of Android. MWC and the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2018 will likely have plenty of AR related announcements from studios. Additionally, Samsung unveiled its new flagship phone, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ with its own AR features. As further AR announcements are made, keep reading VRFocus for the latest updates.