While it is true, through augmented reality, the real world intermingles with the virtual world contextually; thanks to allowing users to add layers of visual information about the real world around them. Thus, it is possible generate an experience that provides significant knowledge in your environment.
So, although it may seem a bit futuristic, the truth is that this technology has been around for a long time and Currently, it is a technique that is enjoyed by a large number of people in the world. Especially, because many smartphones are already compatible with it and there are several VR apps.
In this sense, it is valuable to know what benefits a device must have to be able to use these applications and, of course, what are the best alternatives that exist to get the most out of augmented reality on iOS and Android.
Index:
What features must my mobile have to use VR apps?
As we mentioned earlier, today, there are several mobile devices that can use this technology without any complicationsOf course, using an application that has the necessary utilities for it.
However, the vast majority of Internet users wonder what features must a certain mobile have to support VR appsIt is not a single specification and it is not an exclusive technology of the phones that have been released so far. Therefore, below, we mention the necessary features of a smartphone to run augmented reality apps:
- A sensor, known as gyroscope on camera, That works for control the position of the device, As for measure, change and keep the orientation of the mobile and establish a better location. Being this, the most important feature of all, as it fulfills an essential function in augmented reality apps.
- It is also decisive that the smartphone have an optimal processor and that it is Dual Core, at least (to execute simultaneous tasks in less time). As a recommendation, a CPU speed of 3 GHz. Also, keep in mind that the most recognized processor brands guarantee excellent GPU (graphics processing unit) performance and provide improvements in battery performance.
- Another of the most important specifications, lies in a large capacity of RAM to process images in real time and in considerable resolution. Since, it is in charge of storing the instructions that the central processing unit executes.
- It is also recommended to have a mobile device that display a good screen resolution (if possible, HD). Thus, you can get more out of the experience that the app in question will deliver.
For its part, we highlight that, in the case of Android compatibility with augmented reality began to become evident from its “Android 7” version. But, there are some mobiles that need Android 8 or 9 to achieve execute this technology.
In the case of iPhone and iPad, it is known that it is necessary that they contain an iOS 11 operating system and an A9 or later processor.
Next, we name which are those that meet these particularities, specifically:
IPhone Models:
- iPhone XS.
- iPhone XR.
- iPhone X.
- iPhone 8.
- iPhone 8 Plus.
- iPhone 7.
- iPhone 7 Plus.
- iPhone 6s.
- iPhone 6s Plus.
- iPhone SE.
IPad Models:
- iPad Pro (all models).
- iPad (6th generation).
- iPad (5th generation).
List of the best augmented reality apps for Android and iOS
Now, if you have bought that your mobile phone can support an augmented reality app perfectly, of course you will want to enjoy the best solutions on the market to take advantage of this new technology.
Therefore, we proceed to name and detail a total of 10 VR applications for both Android and iOS:
IKEA Place
This available on Play Store and App Store, so it is compatible with both Android and iPhone and iPad. Which, basically, is an application that serves to place pieces of furniture anywhere you want. Since, as buying furniture is never easy, this app allows you to fix these objects virtually. Taking into account that, you can get from armchairs and sofas, to coffee tables.
It is important to clarify that it only works with the products of the famous Swedish furniture chain IKEA, which you can place them on a real scale in any area of your home and with fully detailed models. Well, the company focused on providing an accurate impression of its size, design, and functionality. The best, is that it is totally free.
BBC Civilizations AR
Since the beginning of the augmented reality boom, it was pointed out that one of the best uses that can be given to this technology is for educational purposes. Therefore, Civilizations AR emerged as an app that supports this premise and thus, is based on bringing art and culture worldwide. So, it allows you admire up to more than 30 historical artifacts, like locate, flip and resize them however you want.
In addition to this, you can photograph these objects directly from your living room, discover the secrets of ancient Egypt and learn more about the origins of these cultural treasures. You can also view treasures that are only found in the most important museums in the world. It is valuable to distinguish that, the app offers a very useful tutorial, in which an Egyptian mummy guides you.
Star Walk 2
As well as the previous detailed apps, this one too It is compatible with iOS and Android, since it is in the Play Store and the App Store. Which is characterized by being an augmented reality tool that serves to interpret the world through the stars. This means that, it allows to identify stars through augmented reality with a design that offers moments of relaxation to all its users.
For its part, it presents amazing 3D heavenly body models, such as: dwarf planets, comets and asteroids, constellations (Big Dipper, Cancer and others), planetary nebulae and artificial satellites. Other than that, Features a night mode, stunning visuals, and a time machine. This app offers a free version (with ads) and a premium version that cancels advertising.
Learn languages for free – Mondly
If you want learn a new language with free daily lessonsThis VR app can be very helpful for you. Which, although it has slowly adopted this technology, today allows you to obtain excellent knowledge through it. Because, by touching the AR button, you will have to look for a flat surface and with it, your virtual teacher named “Mondly” will start the class.
That way, you can learn up to 33 different languages and, at the same time, train your memory easily. Taking into account that, being such a fun experience, manages to fuel your language learning experience so much that it even becomes addictive. Thus, you can bring language learning to real life in your own room using augmented reality, with professional actor voices and crystal clear sounds.
InkHunter
This free application is extremely fun for play with virtual tattoos linked to augmented reality that your mobile can show. Since it is designed to test tattoos on your skin with a 3D effect included, thanks to the benefits provided by said technology. Therefore, if you are not sure what you want to get tattooed, this app can be very helpful for you.
In this sense, the application has the ability to project any design on any area of your body, so you can see how a certain tattoo looks like. Thus, just as you can select a model within the gallery of the app, you can also try your own design. It should be noted that, thanks to its advanced photo editor, this app makes the tattoo look very real. Available for both Android and iOS.
MagicPlan
Through this VR app, users have the possibility of create floor plans just by using your mobile camera. This means that you could easily create a plan of your house or of any place, just by running this free application available for Android and iOS devices. Taking into account that, in just 30 seconds, it scans the area in question and in a few minutes builds high-quality floor plans.
In addition to this, it provides interesting data along with the elaborated plan, such as estimating costs and materials, virtual tours and 3D models. Valuing other particularities, we highlight that it has the ability to measure ceiling heights, detect doors and windows, create synchronized elevation views, in addition to automatically provides statisticians. It also allows furnishing the plans with more than a thousand objectives, export them in various formats (PDF, SVG, PNG, JPG, CSV and DXF) and make backup copies.
Just a Line
It is a very simple application that allows you to make drawings in augmented reality. Which, mostly, is used at leisure to have fun with a group of friends. Considering that, it was created as a VR experiment that works to create simple drawings through a single line and share them in a short video.
In that sense, you only have to show the image to allow the app make the drawing of doodles. It should be noted that it supports collaborative sessions, so you can easily join with another person to see what he is drawing and vice versa. It is free and It is available in the Play Store and in the App Store.
Knightfall: AR
It consists of one of the best games adapted to augmented reality, which is based on place all players in the shoes of the Knights Templar while they must fight against the enemies to defend Acre. For this, just place the battlefield on any flat surface near you and from any point of view, you will be able to shoot arrows and catapults at the enemy units that are heading towards your walls.
In this way, you can immerse yourself in an incredible adventure and overcome different levels of the campaign. Once you finish all these, new animations will be unlocked that facilitate the capture of other characters. Thus, it has been classified as an optimal indication for the future of augmented reality games and currently, is available on the Play Store and App Store.
SketchAR
If you want to learn to draw perfectly and have not had the opportunity to do so, either due to a lack of type or due to complications, we recommend you use this new free augmented reality app. Which is in charge of place virtual images on a surface so you can trace the drawings through your mobile. Thus, you can choose any sketch and project that image onto the paper to trace the missing lines.
Therefore, it is a didactic way to learn to draw much faster and in a completely entertaining way. It is appropriate to distinguish that, offers a tool for drawing step by step and also facilitates courses with drawing classes, where you can choose any available lesson and improve your strokes, whether in graffiti, about animals, anime, etc. You can get it both in the Play Store and in the App Store.
Wallame
To conclude this list, we emphasize WallaMe, which is a well-known application within the field of augmented reality for mobile and handles a concept similar to “Just a Line”. Since, basically, it works to make virtual graffiti in certain areas and that these can only be seen by other users who have the app. Thus, you can hide messages in the real world easily.
Consequently, if you download this app, you can leave a message on any nearby wall or on the other side of the world and with it, expose private messages in real public places. Added to that, it allows you to draw freehand or add images on those sites, so that all your friends delight in your creations. Considering that, to facilitate this system, the app manages: augmented reality, geolocation, online sharing ability and a camera at the same time.