From Concept to Reality: Developing AR and VR Apps on Android

The user experience is the focal point for every business that is taking the digital route. Amusing users with advanced technologies and creating experiences that are unique have been on the minds of every Android app development company. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have revolutionized the digital world with immersive experiences.   

With more users adopting virtual experiences, the scope of AR and VR apps is massive. By 2029, the number of AR and VR market users is expected to reach 3.7 million.

This post will discuss more about AR and VR technologies and the required tools to develop robust apps.  

Understanding Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality creates real-life experiences in the digital realm. By using the device’s camera, GPS, and sensors to detect the user’s environment and virtual objects, an AR app can deliver virtual experiences that are quite close to reality. It can create immersive experiences and help users visualize before making a purchase.   

Virtual reality, however, creates an artificial environment, engaging users in unique digital experiences. Such digital experiences simulate a 30-degree virtual environment, making them ideal for gaming, virtual tours, and simulations.  

Tools and Technologies for Android AR and VR Development  

There are many tools and technologies that can help in AR and VR app development. Any top AR app development company uses the best tech stack to deliver efficient solutions. Let’s take a closer look.  

ARCore  

ARCore is Google’s augmented reality platform for Android that provides APIs and tools to create AR experiences. Using a device’s camera, GPS, and sensors, it can track the user’s environment and project virtual objects onto it. ARCore offers features such as motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation. An Android app development company can create realistic and interactive AR experiences.   

Google VR SDK  

The Google VR SDK offers tools and APIs to build VR experiences on Android. An experienced Android app development company like Clavax can craft enticing features like spatial audio, 3D graphics, and motion tracking. This tool helps developers create immersive VR environments.   

 Unity and Unreal Engine  

These popular game engines are built on AR and VR development. Their robust features, like physical engines, graphics rendering, and animation tools, make them efficient options for developing robust AR and VR apps. Cherry on top, these engines support ARCore and the Google VR SDK seamlessly.   

How to Develop AR and VR Android App?   

Every expert Android app development company takes many important factors into consideration before entering the development process. Having a clear plan of action is one of them.   

Here’re the important steps involved:  

Create a Development Environment  

Setting up an ideal development environment is crucial before developing an AR or VR app. Start with installing the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. After that, it’s important to set up the Android SDK and NDK, which are essential for developing and compiling Android apps. To access the AR and VR functionalities, go ahead and install the ARCore or Google VR SDKs.   

Develop an AR App with ARCore 

Here’s a four-step itinerary for AR app development using ARCore 

  1. Start a new project in Android Studio.   

  1. Add the ARCore SDK to your project.   

  1. Configure the ARCore session.   

  1. Use ARCore’s APIs to manipulate virtual objects in the real world.   

Develop a VR App with Google VR SDK   

Here’s a brief sneak peek into VR Android app development using the Google VR SDK.   

  1. Start a new project in Android Studio.  

  1. Include the Google VR SDK in your project.   

  1. Set up a VR activity and configure it to use Google VR functionalities.   

  1. Use the SKD to render 3D graphics.  

Challenges and Limitations of Android AR and VR Development  

A top AR app development company predefines the potential challenges and limitations of Android app development to navigate the dynamic domain.   

  1. AR and VR apps require massive processing power, memory, and battery life. You must optimize performance using efficient coding, simplifying 3D models, and using performance-enhancing techniques.   

  1. Different Android devices have different hardware capabilities. Developers must take these variations into account to make the app more compatible.   

  1. A steep learning curve is required to use new technologies to take user experience to a new level. Continuous training and development can emerge as a challenge for businesses with in-house teams.   

A top AR app development company like Clavax can help you navigate these challenges successfully. With diverse experiences and personnel, they are well acquainted with the latest technologies and user expectations.