Browser-based augmented reality

Thanks to Google and Apple’s new AR frameworks and the hype generated when major companies promote a new technology, augmented reality is currently enjoying its moment in the sun. Until now viewing AR has required dedicated apps, but new platforms are emerging that enable users to view 3D models in augmented reality using nothing more than a web browser. 

One such example is XR+ who recently launched a new browser based AR platform, compatible with iOS and Android built-in browsers. They describe it as the YouTube of AR, with users able to upload, view and share their own content.  You can see a preview of the service in action on YouTube.

XR+ uses the fiducial markers for tracking, but the promise of the new AR platforms, and most of the promotional material we’ve seen recently is markerless. Google has demonstrated a prototype called Article, that demonstrates their vision of markerless browser-based AR, although currently this requires an experimental browser for iOS, and Android.

Browser-based AR is in its infancy, but if you’re interested in finding out more about these two implementations you can try XR+ by visiting their website, read about Google’s experiments on their blog and find the Article platform source code on Github.