AR Code Blog | WebAR Technology and AR Code

3DQR vs AR Code: A Comparative Study of QR Code-Based Augmented Reality Solutions

WebAR | 17/07/2023

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Augmented Reality has opened a new realm of possibilities, revolutionizing the way businesses function and interact with customers. Two groundbreaking solutions at the forefront of this evolution are AR Code and 3DQR.

Blippar VS AR Code: WebAR SaaS Platforms Compared

WebAR | 23/05/2023

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WebAR solutions like AR Code and Blippar are revolutionizing the way businesses and developers design immersive AR experiences, eliminating the need for users to download dedicated apps.

8thWall VS AR Code: Comparing WebAR SaaS for Your Business

WebAR | 17/04/2023

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Web-based augmented reality (WebAR) solutions, such as AR Code and 8thWall, are gaining popularity as businesses and developers recognize the value of creating immersive AR experiences without requiring users to download dedicated apps.

WebAR, or Web-based Augmented Reality, is a technology that allows users to experience augmented reality through their web browser, without the need to download a dedicated app. This makes it possible for users to access AR content on their devices simply by visiting a website that supports WebAR.

Technologies Behind WebAR

WebAR employs various technologies, such as AR.js, Three.js, WebGL, Google ARCore, and Apple ARKit, to deliver seamless and immersive AR experiences on the web. By enabling web browsers to recognize and track objects in users' environments, these technologies facilitate the overlay of virtual content onto the real world.

Steps to Display a WebAR Experience from an AR QR Code

Follow these simple steps to display WebAR content using an AR Code:

1. Open your device's camera app and point it at the AR QR Code.
2. Upon recognizing the AR Code, the app will display a notification or prompt. Tap this to open the associated link.
3. The link will direct you to the AR Code Cloud server, where the AR content is displayed.
4. Once the content loads, your device may either display an immersive AR view using ARKit / ARCore or prompt you to grant camera access permissions. Granting permission enables the WebAR experience to be displayed over the AR Code. If your device supports immersive WebAR, a button will appear, allowing you to access the immersive WebAR experience (use Chrome web browser).

Is WebAR a Popular Technology?

It is difficult to quantify whether WebAR is a popular technology. However, it is gaining traction among developers, businesses, and users alike. Many companies are exploring the use of WebAR to enhance online shopping experiences, provide immersive brand experiences, and create engaging marketing campaigns. Additionally, the widespread adoption of smartphones and other devices with built-in AR capabilities has made it easier for users to access WebAR content. While it may not yet be considered a mainstream technology, WebAR is certainly gaining popularity and interest among those in the tech industry.

Can WebAR Display AR on Old Smartphones?

Yes, AR Code's WebAR can display AR content on older smartphones, provided that the smartphone has a web browser that supports WebAR technology, such as Chrome or Firefox. However, the performance of the AR experience may vary depending on the capabilities of the device. Older smartphones may not be able to support as sophisticated or advanced AR content as newer, more powerful devices. Additionally, the web browser on the older device may not be able to run the AR content as smoothly or efficiently as a newer browser. WebAR is still a good option for accessing AR content on older smartphones, and that's why we integrated it into the AR Code technology.

What Technologies are Used to Run WebAR?

WebAR uses a combination of technologies to provide immersive and interactive AR experiences on the web. These technologies include:

• ARCore and ARKit: These are software development kits developed by Google and Apple, respectively, that enable AR experiences on Android and iOS devices. They use various technologies, such as computer vision and machine learning, to recognize and track physical objects in the user's environment, allowing virtual content to be overlaid onto the real world in a way that is seamless and immersive.
• WebGL: This is a web standard that enables 3D graphics to be rendered in a web browser. WebAR uses WebGL to render the virtual content that is overlaid onto the real world, allowing it to be displayed in a way that is realistic and interactive.
• HTML5: This is a web standard that defines the structure and content of a web page. WebAR uses HTML5 to create and display the user interface for the AR experience, allowing users to interact with the virtual content in a natural and intuitive way.
• JavaScript: This is a programming language that is widely used on the web. WebAR uses JavaScript to bring all of the aforementioned technologies together, allowing the AR experience to be run and controlled within the web browser. AR.js is a popular JavaScript library for WebAR display.

Together, these technologies enable WebAR to provide seamless and interactive AR experiences on the web, without requiring a dedicated app.

What is AR.js and How Does It Work?

AR.js is a free and open-source JavaScript library for creating augmented reality experiences on the web. It is built on top of the WebGL and WebRTC web standards, and uses the ARToolKit and AR.js markers to enable AR experiences on web pages.

AR.js is designed to be easy to use and lightweight, making it a popular choice among developers who want to create AR experiences on the web. It is also compatible with a wide range of web browsers and devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Overall, AR.js is a powerful tool for creating WebAR experiences, and is widely used by developers in the AR industry.

What is an AR Marker and How Does it Work with AR.js?

An AR marker is a special image or pattern that is recognized by AR technology, such as AR.js, as a trigger for an AR experience. When used with an AR marker, AR.js can enable AR experiences that are triggered when the marker is detected by the user's device.

AR markers are used to place virtual objects and content into the real world. AR.js uses the camera on a user's device to identify an AR marker, and then superimposes virtual content over the real world through the camera view. AR markers can be any image or pattern, but for AR.js, it is recommended to use black and white QR codes.

When the marker is detected by the user's device, the AR experience associated with the marker will be triggered, allowing virtual content to be overlaid onto the real world. This can include 3D models, animations, or interactive elements.

AR.js provides an accessible and flexible solution for creating WebAR experiences, making it a valuable tool for developers and businesses looking to incorporate AR technology into their web content.

Frequently asked questions