Categories
SDK releases

Studio Editor just got better with Transformation of Object Targets and HD view

Wikitude’s Studio Editor is one of the easiest augmented reality content management tools in the market, and it just got even better. Want to learn how? Hold tight; we’ll get to that in a second.

For those who haven’t heard about it yet, Studio Editor is our web-based AR content manager. It’s the perfect solution for creating AR experiences in an easy, intuitive and timely way. Moreover, anyone can make use of Wikitude Studio, regardless of the technical abilities.

A few days ago we released a new Studio version, and there are some changes that you shouldn’t miss!

New Transform function for Object Targets

With SDK 8 Wikitude launched a new way to create a reference for your object targets: from making 360-degree videos of your object to taking pictures from different angles.

The recently launched Point Cloud Transformation feature makes it possible to reposition, rotate and scale the point cloud generated for these new targets.
Why is this helpful? Imagine that you made pictures of your object from the wrong angle, from the wrong distance, or that you want them to be consistently scaled and aligned. Now you can overcome these errors with a few clicks and adjust the Object Target to your needs.

This video shows you how easy it is to edit your point cloud:


The HD view for Object Targets

And that’s not all. The point cloud visualization of the object target has gotten much more accurate. From now on, newly created targets will be displayed with a higher density in Studio Editor. Here’s an example of this feature:


Augmented Reality: Rooter - Object Target Visualization- Wikitude Studio Editor

Our goal is to offer a powerful tool that not only makes it easier to build augmented reality experiences, but that provides more flexibility and accuracy than other tools in the market. That’s why we’re continually improving the AR Studio and optimizing the functionality in conjunction with the Wikitude SDK.



Have you already tried the new object and scene recognition feature? Sign up today to try Wikitude SDK and Studio Editor for free.

Categories
SDK releases

Introducing Wikitude SDK 8

The newest version of the Wikitude AR development platform is out! Equipped with the largest variety of augmented reality features on the market, Wikitude SDK 8.0 is the go-to tool for developers and businesses that wish to create endless AR possibilities and solutions.

Wikitude SDK 8 introduces Scene Recognition, Instant Targets, Unity Live Preview, Windows Support, Extended Object Tracking and even more improvements in stability and performance.

The final version of SDK 8 is now available for developers on the download page. Continue reading below to explore the new features and advancements of SDK 8 or access Wikitude CTO Philipp Nagele’s article for an in-depth technical review.

WIKITUDE SDK 8 OVERVIEW

SCENE RECOGNITION

SDK 8 expands the recognition and tracking spectrum of SLAM-based augmented reality experiences by introducing ‘Scene Recognition’, a feature long-awaited by the augmented reality market.

Scene recognition and tracking enables developers to recognize and augment entire real-world scenarios, rooms and larger objects with 3D content. Think outdoor gaming, digital additions to historical monuments, industrial maintenance, building identification, or basically anything that calls for more comprehensive recognition.

This SLAM advancement also adds a new and improved map input recording process of objects using images instead of videos, as detailed below.

NEW RECORDING PROCESS OF OBJECTS

Wikitude’s updated engine introduces a revised and more simplified method for map input creation. When mapping an object or a scene, developers will work with high-resolution photos instead of systematic videos. This means the input for mapping can now carry different versions of an object or scene, registered through different positions and lighting, for example.

This modification brings great enhancements in map accuracy resulting in better recognition rates, a more stable tracking and reduced development time.

For more detailed information on the new mapping process itself, please refer to the respective SDK documentation under the point “Target Management”.

EXTENDED TRACKING FOR OBJECTS

SDK 8 has also upgraded Wikitude’s computer vision engine to support Extended Tracking mode for objects. This means that during an AR experience, and after scanning the object target, a user can continue seeing augmentations in the surrounding environment even after the initial marker is out of the camera view.

The use cases that arise are many. Scan a water hydrant to visualize the connecting underground pipings before digging through the earth. Scan an energy socket to view the electrical wiring hidden behind a wall. Scan an art piece and continue seeing more at digitally enhanced exhibitions.

INSTANT TARGETS

Instant Targets allows users to add augmentations to physical surfaces, save the AR experience and make it available for others to load and see in the future. Additionally, the saved Instant Targets map can be edited on the fly when loaded.

This functionality of saving and loading experiences creates a whole new range of AR use-cases. In maintenance, onsite workers can leave important messages directly on the machinery itself for the next shift to be aware of. An interior designer can save various furniture setups to load and show to clients later in time. For retailers, shoppers will be able to unlock special deals at store-front and dynamically interact with stores and other customers. The possibilities are endless.

The ability to ‘save and load’ maps is the next step for easy collaboration and sharing of AR experiences among different users, devices and operating systems.

UNITY LIVE PREVIEW

Unity developers will be pleased to know that SDK 8 added AR-view functionality to the Unity editor. Being able to test and tweak your augmented reality project, hassle-free, during app creation greatly reduces development and prototyping time.

Additionally, developers can use the Unity Remote feature to test Instant Tracking using a remote camera (e.g. a smartphone or tablet).

NATIVE APIs FOR WINDOWS

Windows! Finally, the Wikitude SDK will run on Windows 10 UWP computers as well. Starting with Unity, Wikitude’s SDK now includes Windows Support. The Native API options, based on the new internal SDK architecture, support Universal Windows platforms (Windows 10) devices. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND IMPROVEMENTS

  • New internal SDK architecture
  • Instant Tracking: Improved stability and performance
  • Object Tracking: Improved stability and performance
  • Support for Android Studio 3.x and Gradle 3
  • Update for ARCore 1.1
  • Camera Manipulation APIs: tap to focus; set exposure area

With support for iOS, Android and Windows, developers can create AR apps with a cross-platform Javascript API or with Native API to tackle each operating system separately. Unity, PhoneGap, Titanium, and Xamarin frameworks, as well as various plugins, are also available for Wikitude developers. Select your development platform and try all the features of our award-winning AR SDK.

START DEVELOPING WITH SDK 8

Getting started with SDK 8 has never been easier! Here’s how:

We can’t wait to hear your feedback! Spread the news about SDK 8 on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. using the hashtag #SDK8 and #Wikitude





Interested in creating an AR project of your own?
Talk to one of our specialists and learn how to get started.

Contact The Wikitude Team

Categories
SDK releases

Now available: Studio – the ultimate code-free AR platform

The new Studio, an improved version of our code-free AR platform, has officially been released! Along with the launch, users can now publish their augmented reality creations on the Wikitude App and on their own app.

Designed with an intuitive interface, our web-based augmented reality content manager is the perfect solution for creating powerful AR experiences in an easy and timely fashion.

Having a special set of programming skills is often perceived as an indispensable requirement in the process of bringing an augmented reality project to life. However, that is not always the case. With the new Studio, anyone can create, manage and deploy AR projects with incredible ease; no code needed!

Features at a glance

  • Intuitive Interface
  • No programming skills needed
  • Drag and drop
  • Web-based: work on your projects from multiple devices and locations
  • Image recognition and tracking
  • Object recognition and tracking
  • Video augmentations
  • 3D model visualization
  • Quick-load of projects via QR-code
  • Monitor projects with Google Analytics

Additionally, Studio Editor users now have the option of:

  • Hosting: conveniently store your AR project on a Wikitude server;
  • Publishing: easily publish your AR project in the Wikitude App
    After creating an AR project on Studio Editor, as of today, the Wikitude App can now be used as the gateway for users to access the AR experience.

How does it work?

Simply log in to our web-based software (no installation required), add your targets of interest (images and/or objects), include the content you wish to augment (3D models, videos, images, interactive buttons, etc.) and publish the AR experience (on your own app or directly on the Wikitude App). As easy as it gets!

For users who already have projects on the previous Studio platform, please refer to the project migration notes. In case of further inquiries, contact studio@wikitude.com for extra support.

Apart from being an augmented reality technology provider, Wikitude is also committed to developing powerful AR creation tools. Have an awesome AR idea and want to put it into action? Access the new Studio to get started and experience an efficient, hassle-free way of creating AR.

Try it out

Categories
SDK releases

Wikitude Expands Its AR SDK to Epson Moverio BT-300 and BT-350 Smart Glasses

Epson, pioneer in the technology industry, is leading the way in visual communications, wearable products, drone accessories and industrial solutions. A great part of that forefront action is due to their innovative Moverio smart eyewear line. Supported by Wikitude since 2014, the devices have been used by enterprises and consumers worldwide to deliver hands-free augmented reality experiences.

Today, Wikitude is excited to expand the accessibility of its AR technology even further by launching a fully optimized Wikitude SDK for Epson’s newest devices: the Moverio BT-300 and BT-350 smart glasses.

Both Moverio smart glasses include motion-tracking sensors and feature dual (binocular) displays optimal for side-by-side 3D content. These AR eyewear pieces are also reduced in weight, have a high-resolution camera, improved processing capability and an advanced Si-OLED display, superior in contrast and transparency, making digital content blend in much more realistically with the real world.

Following a detailed development, the Wikitude AR SDK has been fully adapted to make the best out of the unique features of both devices, ensuring optimal performance in a variety of environments and use cases. Among these customizations are:

  • Intel SSE optimization: ensuring best processing power and performance for both devices;
  • Optimization for stereoscopic view: enabling full 3D see-through (side-by-side view) support of Moverio smart glasses;
  • Personal calibration: enabling perfect alignment between the real world and AR content.

As of now, developers can download the new Wikitude SDK for Epson to create augmented reality solutions including object recognition, instant tracking (markerless SLAM), image recognition and tracking, location-based AR and more features.

Smart glasses are starting to change the way people interact with the world by fusing digital elements into our everyday lives. Epson’s BT-350 paired with Wikitude’s augmented reality SDK enable the design of innovative visitor experiences at museums, art galleries, exhibitions and even retail stores by going beyond what phones, tablets and audio guides have to offer. Augmented reality is already helping thousands of users experience brands and tours in a more fun, educational and engaging way by offering smart glasses on their premises. Check out a few examples at Epson’s case studies page for inspiration.

On the consumer side, Wikitude paired with Epson’s BT-300 ensures immersive AR experiences for entertainment and gaming using marker-based or markerless tracking. Make the world your virtual playground!

The increasing smart glasses adoption in the enterprise sector proves the crucial role this technology is playing to take preventive, corrective and predictive MRO processes to the next level. Wikitude’s powerful SDK features combined with Epson’s BT-350 smart glasses make the ideal combination for developing AR that is suitable for remote assistance, maintenance, and training.

Enjoy a seamless integration of digital content with the world by trying the fully optimized Wikitude SDK for the Moverio BT-300 and the Moverio BT-350.

Download Free Trial

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SDK releases

Get ready: Studio Editor is coming soon

A few months ago we announced the beta release of our brand new Studio Editor, Wikitude’s one-stop platform to create and manage augmented reality experiences in just a few clicks.

Now that the official release is just around the corner, we are excited to share updates about the launch of Studio Editor and give a sneak preview of some of the amazing upcoming features.

Whether you are working with the Wikitude SDK or with the Wikitude app, Editor expands the functionalities of the old Studio and enables developers and non-developers to create, manage and publish AR projects based on targets and objects, all in a single platform.

What’s new in Studio Editor?

Studio Editor is not just a pretty face. In addition to the fresh look, the platform has an even more intuitive navigation, allows full visualization of 3D models, offers integration with our Target Manager and many other features you will love:

  • Object Targets – going beyond images, Studio Editor supports creation and management of AR experiences working with 3D objects (object targets).
  • 3D model visualization – a major upgrade from our old Studio, now users are able to visualize 3D models in full shape and texture.

  • Modern 3D user interface – see your target and augmentations from different angles, freely move and adjust augmentations’ properties.

  • Quick-load of projects via QR-code – preview and test your projects in just one scan, using the QR code reader of your choice.

  • Monitor and track projects – use Google Analytics to follow your project performance and create precise reports for your AR campaigns.
  • Publish in the Wikitude App – users will have the opportunity to publish their projects in the Wikitude app in the future. Stay tuned for updates!
  • Studio Editor Hosting – this option provides a place for you to store your AR project on a Wikitude server. This is a quick and easy way to store assets for the long term, and reference them from your own AR app or from the Wikitude app.

These are some of the highlights Studio Editor is bringing to new and old users of Wikitude’s AR content management platform.
Interested? You can already experience the new Studio Editor today and take advantage of the new features in your app.

If you are still working with the old Studio, here is everything you need to know about what’s happening in the next weeks.

What happens to projects in the old Wikitude Studio?

Studio Editor is scheduled to launch in February 2018, so it’s soon the time to say goodbye to our old Wikitude Studio! As soon as Studio Editor is launched, Wikitude Studio will no longer be accessible.

Customers with an active Studio subscription will have their projects automatically migrated to the new Studio Editor on 2018-01-29. 
To ensure projects keep running smoothly, AR experiences hosted in Wikitude Studio will be upgraded for compatibility with Studio Editor.

If you already migrated your project manually to Studio Editor or should you not want the automatic migration please notify Wikitude via the email studio@wikitude.com by latest 2018-01-15.


Please note old Studio projects which are not linked to an active Studio subscription will not be available on the Wikitude app after February 2018.

The Wikitude team has made a handy migration guide providing details on this upcoming process. If you have any doubts, you can always reach our team via email.

Got excited?! Start testing the new features today by accessing Studio Editor in your favorite browser.

Categories
SDK releases

The gift you actually want for Christmas: Wikitude SDK with ARKit

They say it ‘Tis the season to be jolly’, so Wikitude is doing its part to help spread the holiday cheer… the developer way!

First, the good news: ARKit is now integrated into the Wikitude SDK and is available for testing. You can get the first developer preview for JavaScript and Native SDKs on our download page.

This integration helps developers to deliver optimal markerless augmented reality experiences on Apple’s high-end devices and overcome the accessibility limitations of ARKit with instant tracking. This means, when ARKit is not supported, Wikitude’s reliable SLAM technology kicks in and delivers the AR experience instead. With ARCore also on the way, we are getting closer and closer to making augmented reality a possibility for all.

The addition of ARKit to Wikitude’s SDK allows developers to optimize markerless AR experiences within a single API, making cross-platform development faster and smoother. Going beyond ARKit, the Wikitude SDK delivers world-class geolocation, marker-based AR, and object recognition features, with ample device coverage (smartphones, smart glasses, and tablets) and multiple platform deployment (iOS, Android).

Now, a holiday bonus: Wikitude has prepared an AR Christmas tutorial so that our fellow developers can put it to the test right now!

The AR experience brings your holiday prepping to the next level! If you are planning to set up a Christmas tree, but aren’t sure which size would look best in your living room, this tutorial is for you.

Augmented Christmas Tree Tutorial – putting ARKit integration to the test

Building the AR experience

To access ARKit’s functionality using the Wikitude JavaScript SDK, very little change is required. In fact, only a single flag needs to be set in the configuration of the AR.InstantTracker.

this.tracker = new AR.InstantTracker({
    [...]
    arKitCoreEnabled: true
});

Setting the arKitCoreEnabled flag to true will result in ARKit’s algorithms to be preferred over Wikitude’s algorithms on devices that support them. On devices that do not support ARKit the tracking will function normally, but without the aid of ARKit.

Although the outlined change is sufficient to enable ARKit, we do recommend adding the newly introduced onChangeStateError callback. Switching from initialization state to tracking state may fail when using ARKit due to a lack of texture detail in the camera view or the absence of a plane estimation. The concrete failure reason is supplied to the function as an input parameter.

this.tracker = new AR.InstantTracker({
    [...]
    arKitCoreEnabled: true,
    onChangeStateError: function(error) {
        alert("Failed to change state. Error code: " + error.id + " Error message: " + error.message);
    }
});

As ARKit provides real-world scaling, the device height above ground input parameter is only required for the initialization phase. The tracking phase will ignore it and use the ARKit supplied scale. Leveraging the real world scale is easy and intuitive: 1 SDU is 1 meter. For the case of our 3D model, that simply means that a distance of 1 in the model’s geometry corresponds to 1 meter.

Examining a model in the 3D modeling software of your choice will tell you its extent. For the Christmas tree, the dimensions happen to be the following.

var modelSize = {
    x: 243.1,
    y: 246.7,
    z: 357.9
}

As a height of 357.9 meters is quite sizeable for a Christmas tree, we calculate a scale factor that will bring it down to a manageable height.

var initialModelHeightMeters = 1.5;
var scaleValue = initialModelHeightMeters / modelSize.z;

Applying this scale value to the AR.Model will yield a tree of exactly 1.5-meter height.

var treeModel = new AR.Model("assets/tree.wt3", {
    scale: {
        x: scaleValue,
        y: scaleValue,
        z: scaleValue
    }
});

Finally, scaling the model such that it fits your particular environment is easily achieved by using the onScaleChanged and onScaleEnded gesture callbacks like so.

var treeModel = new AR.Model(
    [...]
    onScaleChanged: function(scale) {
        var s = scaleValue * scale;
        this.scale = {x: s, y: s, z: s};
    },
    onScaleEnded: function(scale) {
        scaleValue = this.scale.x;
    }
});

You can download the whole sample package from the Beta tab on our Download page.

Special thanks to our community member Florin Necula for the ‘Wikitude tree’ 3D model.

We hope you enjoy working with the developer preview of the Wikitude SDK with ARKit.

Don’t forget to share your holiday AR experiences via social media using the #wikitude on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Happy holidays from the Wikitude team!

Categories
SDK releases

ARKit and ARCore – beyond the hype and what’s next for Wikitude

ARKit and ARCore are causing quite a stir in the augmented reality community. After Apple and Google launched their own AR development platforms, the internet has been sizzling with augmented reality inquiries and comparisons between the new software development kits (SDK). The buzz is loud. But, what lies beyond the hype? How are these platforms actually serving the AR apps that are in the market today? And also, what’s next for Wikitude?

Now that AR is on the radar, many want to jump on the bandwagon. But, before rushing into a project, it is crucial that the intended AR experience is perfectly aligned with the capabilities of the SDK of choice. Continue reading to fully understand what the tech giants are bringing to the table and how ARKit and ARCore will complement Wikitude’s technology.

AR features

Depending on the type of AR experience you want to create, different types of this technology might produce the best results. The most commonly used augmented reality technologies today are geo-location, marker-based (image recognition), markerless SLAM-based AR (instant tracking) and object recognition.

Scanning of Terracotta Warriors figures for Object Recognition (Wikitude) – The Franklin Institute

To better understand how each of the above-mentioned AR features work, refer to the first part of our augmented reality 101 series for detailed explanations and use-case examples.

ARKit, ARCore and Wikitude features

ARKit and ARCore offer good solid markerless AR. Period (yes, period). Thus far, the tech giants do not offer any other type of augmented reality possibilities except for what they call world-tracking (equivalent to Wikitude’s instant tracking, launched in February 2017).

In other words, with ARKit or ARCore you will be limited to creating AR experiences that are triggered by arbitrary environments only. At this point, you won’t be able to recognize and track an image (poster, billboard, magazine, etc.). You won’t be able to recognize and track an object (toys, statues, industrial machines, etc.). You won’t be able to trigger AR through geo-location (that means no Pokémon Go like games).

Despite supporting a single AR feature, one can’t deny how incredibly stable and robust the markerless tracking experiences are when using ARCore and ARKit. Both SDKs make the best out of their (high-end) hardware, software and research teams and by that delivering realistic AR experiences to users.

Augmentors game using Wikitude’s AR engine

Device compatibility

ARKit and ARCore are greatly contributing to making augmented reality more readily available, but as of now, both SDKs have a rather restricted device compatibility.

  • ARKit is only compatible with iPhone devices that use A9 or A10 chips, which, loosely speaking, represent iPhone 6s and iPad Pro 9.7 devices and above.
  • ARCore is only compatible with Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones supported by Android 7.0 (Nougat) and Android 8 (Oreo).

Those devices represent a small fraction of what’s currently in people’s hands. With over two billion active Android devices in the world, Google’s plan to cover 100 million devices means ARCore will only reach 5 percent of its installed base in the long run. Same goes for ARKit-enabled apps, which, due to hardware limitations on older-generation devices, they run solely on the above-mentioned devices

Keep in mind, additionally, that neither of these two SKDs support eyewear. So, hands-free AR experiences with smartglasses are not possible.

Mira Prism powered by Wikitude

Cross-platform support

Even though this may seem obvious to some, it is important to clarify that ARKit and ARCore are not cross-platform APIs. Meaning that ARKit is designed to be deployed exclusively on iOS while ARCore is designed to be deployed exclusively on Android.

That being said, developers that wish to create mass-market consumer AR apps must either write and maintain separate programs for each platform or, alternatively, choose an “all-in-one” cross-platform SDK to write a single app which can be deployed on multiple operating systems and devices.

Development frameworks

As far as development goes, ARKit requires experience with Obj-C/Swift and ARCore, Java/Kotlin in case you don’t want to use some of the gaming 3D engines like Unity or Unreal. In a recent post, we shared the different development tools and extensions available to create augmented reality experiences.

Going beyond Android and iOS native APIs, building AR experiences can be easily done with JavaScript, Unity, PhoneGap and other frameworks. For that crowd, the double development using ARCore and ARKit might not be as straightforward as when using cross-platform frameworks (and certainly more time consuming).

What’s next for Wikitude’s “all-in-one” SDK?

Cutting to the chase: ARKit and ARCore is what’s next. Wikitude spreads AR by supporting a wide range of development frameworks and making cross-platform development easy when building marker-based and markerless AR experiences.

The integration of ARKit and ARCore in the Wikitude SDK will bring Apple and Google’s markerless technology to developers around the world with optimal performance for the high-end devices mentioned earlier. For non-optimized devices, Wikitude’s Instant Tracking will jump in and provide the same markerless experiences for the remaining users.

For those interested in augmented reality experiences that go beyond ARKit and ARCore, Wikitude’s technology can deliver geo-location, marker-based AR, and object recognition, with ample device coverage (smartphones, smartglasses and tablets) and multiple platform deployment (iOS, Android).

Furthermore, JavaScript developers will have a massive reason to celebrate: integrating Apple and Google’s technology into their app using the Wikitude SDK. Cordova, Xamarin, Titanium and Unity will be equally covered. This means Wikitude will extend ARKit and ARCore from 2 development frameworks to 7, making augmented reality truly accessible for a wider development community.

The integration of ARKit and ARCore into the Wikitude SDK has already started. Stay tuned for the official release on our blog.

We take pride in being an award-winning augmented reality technology provider and are here to help you make your AR project into a successful reality. Get started with augmented reality today, with the Wikitude SDK.

Download SDK

Categories
SDK releases

Support for iOS 11 and Android 8: Download SDK 7.1

Never before has an Apple event been so anticipated as this year’s event. Even before its ‘Gold Master’ was released, iOS 11 was already a game-changer. ARKit brought markerless augmented reality to the masses and raised expectations around the new versions of the iPhone (iPhone 8 and iPhone X). Among front facing 3D sensors, camera upgrades, Six Core Apple A11 and loads of Animojis, Apple’s new device and OS are here to make a big bang in the augmented reality scene.

On the peak of ARKit’s hype, somewhat expected news arrived: ARCore, Google’s spinoff to ARKit, was launched. Just like Apple’s API, Google chose to deliver markerless AR experiences to Android users without Tango. Motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation are the main components behind ARCore.

Wikitude is ready to bring the full spectrum of augmented reality experiences for both operating systems with the new SDK 7.1.

Wikitude SDK 7.1: compatibility with iOS 11 and Android Oreo, Point Cloud API and more

Wikitude updated its award-winner augmented reality SDK to support iOS 11 and Android 8 (Oreo). SDK 7.1 delivers image recognition and tracking, SLAM (instant tracking), location-based AR, object recognition and tracking, among other features fully compatible with Apple and Google’s new OS.

SDK 7.1 is now available on the Wikitude download page for our community.

Version 7.1 of Wikitude’s SDK brings a couple of bugfixes, performance improvements and a new feature for Native and Unity developers: new Point Cloud API. Having access to the point cloud will allow developers to better understand scenes and objects being tracked by providing depth and other details to build a more realistic AR experience.

Support for ARKit and ARCore

We’re excited about all things ARKit and ARCore. Wikitude’s development team is actively researching the feasibility of integrating ARkit and ARCore into the Wikitude SDK. Stay tuned!

TL;DR Wikitude updated its award-winning augmented reality SDK to support iOS 11 and Android 8 (Oreo). Download the new release here.

Categories
SDK releases

Object recognition, multi-target tracking and SLAM: Track the world with SDK 7

Today augmented reality takes a giant step towards tracking the world. We are excited to reveal Wikitude SDK 7, the “all-in-one AR tool-kit” powered with object tracking, instant tracking (SLAM), multiple targets recognition, extended recognition range, and more. SDK 7 includes marker, markerless, and location-based augmented reality features in one kit for developers.

Wikitude’s CEO, Martin Herdina, states that “SDK 7 is another big milestone for AR developers, who can now utilize a single cross-platform SDK to build the complete spectrum of AR experiences existing in the market today.”

The latest version of our SDK is available for iOS, Android, and smart glasses and supports a wide range of development frameworks such as Unity, Phonegap, Titanium, and Xamarin. Users can also choose from Native Android/iOS APIs or a JavaScript API. The full-feature free trial of SDK 7 can be downloaded here.
In this post, we give you a glimpse of what’s new.

For a deeper technical insight into SDK 7, check out this detailed blog post.

Object Recognition

SDK 7 significantly expands Wikitude’s SLAM technology by adding object recognition and tracking capabilities to its feature set. These features enable brands and enterprises to build augmented reality experiences using a variety of real-world objects, such as toys, sculptures, architectural models, product packaging, industrial machines, and more.

The workflow is simple: take multiple pictures of your object, upload it to the Wikitude Studio Manager and create your AR experience as desired.

Object recognition technology creates an additional touchpoint to interact with users, allowing real-time and 360 degrees augmented reality experiences around real-world objects.

The practical applications are numerous, so whether you are building your next interactive marketing campaign, enhancing in-store experiences, or remotely assisting workers on a factory floor, object recognition will close the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

Multiple Image target recognition

SDK 7 introduces ‘Multiple Image Target’ tracking to Wikitude’s advanced image recognition technology. This feature enables the recognition of several images simultaneously. Once the images are recognized, developers will be able to layer 3D models, buttons, videos, images, and more on each target. Additionally, augmentations will be able to interact with each other based on the targets’ positions.

Multiple image target recognition can be used to bring interactivity to board and card games, empower consumers with information about different products in retail stores, assist workers with product organization on supermarket shelves, and more.

Hit-testing API for SLAM

Wikitude’s award-winning SLAM engine will help you further understand the world through SDK 7’s hit-testing API. This feature analyzes and understands the environment by detecting real-world points corresponding to specific areas in the camera frame. This means that SDK 7 will report the positions and depths of elements in the AR scenes to create more realistic experiences. Elements in the scene are identified and augmentations will be displayed accordingly with instant tracking (e.g. become bigger when positioned close to the camera, smaller when placed further away in the scene, etc.).

Instant tracking improvements

SDK 7 comes with an improved SLAM engine that recognizes environments faster and more precisely. Users will be able to fully go around augmentations to enjoy all angles of the AR experience. Additionally, developers will have the possibility to change the rotation of the initial plane, bringing Instant Tracking to walls and ceilings. For more details, see how The Washington Post is using this feature on their app.

Extended recognition range

As part of the several upgrades on Wikitude’s computer vision engine, SDK 7 has the ability to recognize target images from an extended range in distance. Target images in A4 format will now be recognized from over 2 meters away. This recognition distance is 2x superior to other SDKs available in the market. Extended recognition range works for on-device image recognition and HD devices.

Additional features and improvements

SDK 7 brings additional features and improvements to Wikitude’s technology. For further details, please check the technical insight of SDK 7 and the developer documentation.

– Android motion sensor for improved location-based AR experiences
– Faster and more accurate Instant Tracking and Extended Tracking
– Support for Metal graphics API (iOS Native only)
– Support for Bitcode build option
– Extensive sample for Swift (iOS)

Get a taste of the world’s ‘Best Developer Tool’, awarded at AWE USA 2017 in the Silicon Valley. We couldn’t be more excited with this update and are looking forward to receiving your feedback!

Start developing with Wikitude SDK 7

Getting started with SDK 7 has never been easier! Here’s how:

Help us spread the news on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin using the hashtag #SDK7 and #Wikitude.

Categories
SDK releases

Here comes SDK 6.1

Update (August 2017): Object recognition, multi-target tracking and SLAM: Track the world with SDK 7

When we launched Wikitude SDK 6 nearly 2 months ago, we were excited to see developers jump onto markerless SLAM tracking and creating fascinating augmented and mixed reality experiences. Today we are proudly releasing an update for SDK 6 with stability updates and a few new features. Check out what’s new:

Support for OpenGL ES 3.x Graphics API:

Over the past weeks, we have seen that many augmented reality projects are based on more modern graphics API than OpenGL ES 2.0. Developers using Wikitude SDK 6.1 can now make use of OpenGL ES 3.x. Support for Metal Graphics API is currently being worked on and a new iOS rendering API will be included in our next release.

Improved stability for image tracking:

This release comes with an updated computer-vision engine for image tracking, which delivers a smoother AR experiences. Particularly when holding the device still or using larger augmentations, developers will notice a more stable tracking and little to no jittering. See video below for a performance comparison.

Reworked communication from JavaScript API to native code:

An essential part of the JavaScript API is the ability to communicate with parts of the app that are not involved in the augmented reality experience as such, often written in Obj-C or Java. This communication has been based on a custom URL protocol to send and receive data. In Wikitude SDK 6.1 we are introducing a different approach to the communication between JavaScript API and native code based on exchanging JSONObjects directly.

Several stability updates:

 SDK 6.1 comes with many stability updates and improvements – the most noticeable being the fix of a nasty bug that prevented 2D and 3D augmentations to be rendered separately. With this fix, the z-order of augmentations is properly respected. Additionally, developers now can use the ADE.js script again to debug experiences in the browser.

For a full list of improvements and fixes, make sure to check out the release notes for all supported platforms and extensions:

For customers with an active subscription, the update is free – depending on your current license key, it might be necessary to issue a new key. Please reach out via email for any license key related issues.

All other existing customers can try out Wikitude’s cross-platform SDK 6.1 for free and purchase an upgrade for Wikitude SDK 6.1 anytime.

The update SDK package is available on our download page for all supported platforms, extensions and operating systems. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to our developers via the Wikitude forum.