Samsung is quite serious with software-based Augmented Reality (AR) platform, ARCore. Over the past few weeks, no less than seven of its devices were added to the list of compatible devices.
[Updated: 29 Jun, 2019]
In the past few weeks, we’ve seen several new phones added to the list of ARcore compatible devices. The latest, and probably the last phone (this month) for which ARcore supported has been extended to is the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom. In the coming weeks, we can expect other recent Oppo Reno variants get the support from Google. Till date, only one other Oppo phone, namely Oppo R17 Pro has got ARcore support.
[Original: 26 Jun, 2019]
Today, five new smartphones and one tablet have been added. Google has added Samsung Galaxy A40, Galaxy A60, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A80 and Galaxy Tab S5e to ARCore support list. In addition to this, there’s Asus’ latest Zenfone 6 as well.
Prior to this, the likes of Galaxy A50, Galaxy A30, Samsung Galaxy S10 5G version, Galaxy Tab S3, and Galaxy Tab S4 were already in this list while the Galaxy S10 series (Galaxy S10, Galaxy S1oe, and Galaxy S10 Plus) were incorporated much earlier. With this latest addition, these smartphones and tablet are now guaranteed to deliver a smooth operation with AR applications.
As of now, the market is not really interested in smartphone AR compatibility relative to other features. However, it appears that the South Korean manufacturer is preparing for the future. When development and unveiling of new features stalls, the market will look out for features like this and it will give Samsung smartphones an edge. No doubt, other manufacturers like Apple, LG and a few others take ARcore seriously but Samsung has more devices.
What is ARCore?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a current trend in the manufacturing industry and this is why Google created a platform for integrating AR experiences with smartphones. This platform is called ARCore. An ARCore listed phone can deliver a virtual content as though it is real. The geometry of your smartphone can be determined using ARCore’s motion tracking technology.
Also Read: Samsung’s latest flagship, Galaxy S10 5G version joins Google’s ARCore list of supported devices
Just like it is with AR headsets, users can use sensors to detect movements and it all feels real. AR is a software feature and the major sensors that this feature uses are the camera and motion sensors. Smartphones with high-quality cameras and motion sensors can get this update but it has to be approved by Google. ARCore does not work with any Android system lower than Android 7.0 Nougat. If an OEM considers it necessary, any Android phone with the necessary features can be added to this list.