Introduction to ARKit
Apple has recently announced the launch of ARKit, a tool that may provide advanced augmented reality capabilities on iOS devices. This latest technology is designed to permit for "fast and stable motion tracking" that makes objects seem like they’re actually being placed in real space, slightly than simply hovering over it. This signifies that popular games like Pokémon Go could have a more realistic and immersive experience.
How ARKit Works
On stage, Apple demonstrated a basic implementation of ARKit, which involves mapping the flat surface of a table and placing a teacup on it with realistic perspective. This is made possible by drawing information from an iPhone or iPad’s sensors and cameras. However, the chances with ARKit are far more complex and extensive. For example, Sir Peter Jackson’s studio Wingnut AR created a posh augmented reality landscape made in Unreal Engine, which ARKit supports alongside Unity and SceneKit.
Apple’s Investment in Augmented Reality
Until now, Apple has kept a comparatively low profile within the augmented reality space. However, CEO Tim Cook stated last yr that the corporate was investing in it, and that it might be "huge." While popular third-party iOS apps like Pokémon Go and Snapchat have incorporated AR capabilities, Apple’s hardware and software hasn’t been specifically built to enable it, until the launch of ARKit.
Comparison with Google’s Tango
To some extent, Apple is playing catchup with competitor Google, which already has its Tango augmented reality platform. However, Tango is simply available on a couple of Android devices, whereas Apple’s ARKit shall be available across all the iOS ecosystem. According to Craig Federighi, which means ARKit shall be "the most important AR platform on the planet."
Conclusion
The launch of ARKit is a big development on the planet of augmented reality, and it’s prone to have a significant impact on the best way we experience games, apps, and other types of interactive content. With its advanced motion tracking capabilities and support for popular game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, ARKit is about to take the world of AR to the subsequent level. As Apple continues to speculate on this technology, we will expect to see much more modern and immersive experiences in the long run.
