AR Code Blog | WebAR Concept and Technology

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.

WebAR technologies

WebAR uses various technologies, such as AR.js, Google ARCore and Apple ARKit, to enable AR experiences on the web. These technologies enable the web browser 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. WebAR is an exciting technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world.

What are the steps to display a WebAR experience from an AR QR Code?

To display WebAR content from an AR Code, follow these steps:

1. Open the camera app on your device and point it at the AR QR code.
2. The AR Code should be recognized by the app, and a notification or prompt may appear asking if you want to open the link associated with the code.
3. Tap the notification or button to open the link. This will take you to the AR Code Cloud server that supports AR display.
4. Once loaded depending on your device and OS it will straight display an immersive AR view using ARKit / ARCore or prompt you to grant permission to access your device's camera. Granting this permission will allow a WebAR experience to be displayed flying over the AR Code. If your device supports immersive WebAR, a button will appear to let you try the immersive WebAR (please use Chrome web browser to access it).

Is WebAR a popular technology ?

It is difficult to say for certain whether WebAR is a popular technology, as popularity can be difficult to quantify. However, WebAR is a relatively new technology, and it is gaining traction among developers, businesses, and users alike.

Many companies are exploring the use of WebAR for a variety of purposes, such as enhancing online shopping experiences, providing immersive brand experiences, and creating 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. So, while it may not yet be considered a mainstream technology, WebAR is certainly gaining popularity and interest among those in the tech industry.

WebAR can display AR on old smartphones ?

Yes, AR Code's WebAR can be used to display AR content on older smartphones, provided that the smartphone has a web browser that supports WebAR technology (Chrome, 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 a good option for accessing AR content on older smartphones, that why we integrated it to the AR Code technology.

What are the technologies used to run WebAR ?

The technologies behind WebAR 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 immersive and interactive AR experiences on the web, without the need for a dedicated app.

What about AR.js ?

AR.js is a 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.

The simple WebAR that displays content flying over an AR Code uses the AR.js technology associated with an AR marker.

What is an AR marker ?

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.

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. You can see one at the center of your AR 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 by flying over the AR marker.