Introducing SDK 6, Wikitude’s powerful SLAM solution for Augmented Reality apps

We are excited to announce the latest version of our augmented reality SDK, powered by the all-new Wikitude 3D SLAM engine.

SDK 6 combines top-notch image recognition and tracking, improved geo-location AR, and new 3D tracking technology (SLAM-based), becoming the world’s most comprehensive augmented reality SDK for mobile, tablets, and smart-glasses. 

With this release, Wikitude empowers the 400,000+ AR developers worldwide to transform their cross-platform apps into full-stack augmented reality experiences. Here is an overview of the new features: 

Wikitude 3D tracking technology – Go markerless with Instant Tracking

Ditch the markers! With SDK 6, Wikitude introduces its SLAM-based 3D engine to the world. Our all-in-one solution is robust, accurate and 100% in-house developed.

Instant Tracking is the first feature using Wikitude’s 3D tracking technology. It allows developers to easily map environments and display augmented reality content without the need for target images (markers). This feature works in both indoor and outdoor environments, and is suitable for a wide range of industries including medical, architecture, gaming, industrial machinery, real estate, marketing, and more.

For details on how to get started with Instant Tracking, visit our documentation, try our sample app (included in the download package) and watch the instruction video to learn how to track the environment. SDK 6 markerless augmented reality feature is available for Unity, JavaScript, Native, extensions and Smart-glasses (Epson and ODG).

Gestures – Play with augmentations like never before

The new “gestures” feature allows developers to freely place and interact with multiple augmentations on both marker-based or markerless AR experiences. Unlike other SDKs, Wikitude now enables full control of AR content with support for multi-touch gestures: drag, rotate, zoom, pan, make augmentations bigger or smaller, etc. This feature was designed with the end-user in mind, making AR experiences more dynamic, intuitive and fun.

Robust AR everywhere – track targets in rough conditions

Low light condition, shadows, noisy backgrounds, shiny surfaces… SDK 6’s new computer vision engine is prepared to deliver AR in any environment. This means increased performance, unprecedented accuracy (92% recognition rate) and faster recognition speed for target collections.

https://youtu.be/zeu8XIJyxKE

Developers can also benefit from a new file format optimized for best performance in rough conditions. For more information on the new file format and compatibilities, please see our documentation.

Additional features

Improved Extended Tracking – first introduced in SDK 5, Extended Tracking allows developers to extend experiences beyond targets. Once the target image is recognized, users can continue the AR experience by freely moving their devices without needing to keep a marker in the camera view. Extended Tracking now shares the same SLAM algorithm as Wikitude’s Instant Tracking feature, providing more robust performance.

Advanced camera options – AR has never looked so realistic as with this sharp new feature. Enjoy high definition camera rendering on new devices and 60 fps for smoother AR experiences. SDK 6 comes with two camera setting options that gives developers full control of their AR experiences. Choose between auto mode or select your preferred rendering quality from standard definition SD to full high definition (FullHD). Moreover, developers now have extended control over focus behaviour of the camera.

Positioning – Let your augmentations fly. The Positioning feature enables free positioning of augmentations on targets in any dimension. Content associated with a geo-location can now also be freely positioned in any direction.

Start developing with Wikitude SDK 6 across platforms

Getting started with Wikitude’s new SLAM-based SDK is super easy! Here’s how

1. Download SDK and sample app 
2. Check out our documentation
3. Select your license plan
4. Got questions? Our developers are here for you! 

If you’re already working with Wikitude, check out our new and simpler pricing plan. We can’t wait to see your projects using SDK 6! 

Help us spread the news on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin using the hashtag #SDK6 and #Wikitude.