Exploring Augmented Reality Software: From L. Frank Baum’s Vision to Practical Applications Today

From Wizardry to Reality: Exploring Augmented Reality Software

Though augmented reality may seem like a new idea, Wizard of Oz writer L. Frank Baum described a version of the technology in 1901. At the turn of the 20th century, he envisioned a pair of glasses that could display information or visions only to the person wearing them. And though it took more than a century to come to fruition, Baum’s vision of, well, vision has become a reality.

And yet, augmented reality can still seem like wizardry. Using commonplace, everyday tech like mobile devices or less common technologies like smart glasses, you can see 3D objects and digital information as if they were right in front of you. So let’s pull back the curtain on AR technology and cover some practical AR software you can use today.

What is augmented reality software?

Augmented reality software is an app or program that allows the user to place digital information in a real environment. Just as Photoshop allows you to manipulate photos, and just as game development software lays the groundwork for building video games, augmented reality software allows you to create your own scenarios in the real world.

Best augmented reality software

Whether you’re a fashion brand looking to offer a try-on app for a clothing line or a home goods ecommerce business wanting to let potential customers place furniture in their home, or just hoping to create AR-enabled packaging, there are several augmented reality tools and AR development platforms that can meet your specific needs, skills, and price points.

Vossle

If you’re looking primarily for simplicity, Vossle might be the free augmented reality software your brand needs, as there’s no coding necessary for this AR software. 

With a robust free plan and a commercial plan at $99 per month, Vossle offers several key features that work great with ecommerce brands. Think tools like clothing, shoe, and jewelry try-on; gamification opportunities; and even Snapchat-inspired face filters for marketing. 

Zakeke

Zakeke excels when it comes to product customization. If you’re hoping to give your customers the ability to preview aspects of products like color or material, this software is a great choice. It also allows for integration with many ecommerce platforms like Shopify. 

The lowest pricing tier starts at $13.93 per month (billed annually at $71.64), with more robust models starting at $41.93 per month and $104.93 per month.

Unity

Looking to build more advanced augmented reality experiences? Unity is a fully comprehensive platform that can get the job done. 

Best known for game development, it allows users to create all types of immersive AR experiences and real-time 3D content. Unity offers a free version for personal use, but for developers looking for more tools (and real-time remote assistance), the pro plan costs $185 per month. 

This platform is comprehensive. That means a lot of tools and possibilities with advanced features, but a steeper learning curve for beginner users.

Vuforia

Vuforia is an AR SDK (software development kit) that supports both marker-based and markerless AR experiences. In other words, you can use it if you’re designing something that requires an image, QR code, or object (a “marker”) to trigger the AR experience. It’s also a practical and technical software for creating 3D AR renderings of products like furniture.

Powered by the Vuforia Engine, this app offers a slate of tools and abilities, especially when it comes to 3D modeling, face tracking, and real-time image recognition. Vuforia offers a free version with limited features and a full version with pricing available upon request. 

ARKit

ARKit can be just the ticket for AR creation for Apple products running iOS, iPadOS, and VisionOS. Whether you’re planning to allow users to place virtual objects in their homes or offer virtual tours of your physical store, this software lets you create AR experiences that look natural and realistic. The app is free for members of Apple’s Developer Program.

Google ARCore

Google built ARCore with Android in mind. It’s compatible across multiple Android devices and is best for developers working specifically in the Android ecosystem. Gap, Mattel, the NBA, and plenty of other businesses have made the most of this free-use software. 

Google ARCore has many strengths, including light estimation, motion tracking, and depth/environmental understanding. Even though Google ARCore is primarily for Android devices, it can also work in Apple’s ecosystem.

Floori

Some augmented reality platforms are quite broad. They allow the user to build all types of different experiences. In contrast, some AR platforms, like Floori, are meant for specific uses. If you’re looking for an augmented reality platform designed specifically for flooring, Floori can help customers imagine different types of flooring in their home. Contact Floori for pricing.

EasyAR

EasyAR is an advanced AR SDK that has a wide range of uses for AR development. For developers and more advanced users, EasyAR is where to turn if you’re looking for top-of-the-line tracking abilities. It features excellent image, object, plane, and motion tracking. 

EasyAR offers a free personal version, or a Pro edition at $39 per month. It also offers a one-time purchase at $1,399, which allows users to avoid the subscription model all together.

Adobe Aero

From Photoshop and Illustrator to Premiere and Audition, Adobe sets industry standards for just about every form of content creation and editing. Aero is its contribution to the world of augmented reality. The software is free for mobile devices, with a beta version for desktop computers. Available on Creative Cloud, Adobe Aero offers a user-friendly interface that will feel familiar to people familiar with other Adobe products.

Onirix

Onirix is a cloud-based SaaS platform, which means you don’t have to download an app to start building AR experiences. Onirix is fairly intuitive, allowing users to build AR apps and publish them in one place. Whether you’re developing augmented reality apps for Apple or Android mobile devices, Onirix is built to work with smartphones. A starter account runs around $50/month, while the professional tier begins at $334 per month. 

ARToolKit

For developers more inclined toward open-source applications, ARToolKit has been around since 1999. Available for download on Windows, Linux, and macOS, it allows for broad customization. Since it’s open-source software, it’s always free and has an online community dedicated to helping users build on the underlying technologies. 

Augmented reality software FAQ

What software is used in augmented reality?

Whether you’re using augmented reality for sales, training, education, packaging, or virtual try-ons, there’s an option that will work for you. For instance, ARCore and ARKit are great for specific devices (Android and Apple, respectively), while Vossle is a free web-based software for both mobile devices and webAR experiences. Zakeke is great for product customization, whereas Unity and Vuforia excel at propelling more advanced development.

Is there free AR software to use?

Yes, there are several free AR software options, from cross-platform online software Vossle to Android’s ARCore and Apple’s ARKit to Adobe Aero, which is free if you have an Adobe account. Different platforms offer various starter packages and free trials to new users.

What is the difference between VR and AR?

There are a few key differences between VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality). Though both use spatial computing, virtual reality typically uses VR goggles to create an immersive digital world that the user interacts with through their headset. Augmented reality, on the other hand, adds digital elements to a user’s real-world environment, creating a composite view of the physical and digital.