Taking a Closer Look at ARCore and Vuforia

For comprehensive AR applications that require a wider set of features and platform versatility, Vuforia is a superior choice. However, developers targeting Android devices who value simplicity and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem should opt for ARCore.

Key Differences Between ARCore and Vuforia

• Development: ARCore is Google-built, employing key APIs for AR experiences, while Vuforia is an AR SDK acquired by PTC Inc., offering a variety of unique features.
• Compatibility: ARCore primarily supports Android devices and select iOS. Vuforia offers extensive compatibility: iOS, Android, UWP, and AR headsets/glasses.
• Capabilities: ARCore focuses on motion tracking and environmental understanding. Vuforia excels in object recognition, advanced targeting, and real-time overlays.
• Pricing: While ARCore is freely available, Vuforia offers tiered plans, including a free version, Basic and Premium, with additional cloud add-ons.

What Is ARCore and Who’s It For?

Google’s ARCore is a phenomenal augmented reality tool designed for Android developers. Enriched with a plethora of APIs, this transformative platform invites creatives and engineers to build immersive AR experiences and cleverly blend the digital and physical worlds. Adding ARCore to the equation lets you track your device’s movements, comprehend the real-world surroundings, and even estimate in-environment light conditions.

Accessible on 1.4 billion Android devices and a selected range of iOS devices, ARCore adds a new dimension to storytelling, education, navigation, and retail. Whether you’re an innovative app developer, smart business, or interactive game maker, ARCore helps you push the boundaries, crafting experiences that engage, amaze and stay at the mindful forefront.

Pros of ARCore

• Wide compatibility with Android and iOS devices
• Strong OEM collaborations ensuring growth and support
• Exciting API capabilities include environmental understanding, light estimation and motion tracking
• Integration with Google Maps for geographic accuracy
• Regular updates via Google Play Services for AR

Cons of ARCore

• Compatibility issues with Google Maps Live View
• Requires a minimum Android 7.0 (Nougat) to operate
• Potential hurdles with unauthorized installation of Google Apps

What Is Vuforia and Who’s It For?

Conceived by Qualcomm and nurtured by PTC Inc., Vuforia is a visionary AR software development kit (SDK) primed for developers aiming to step into the future. Boasting high-grade computer vision technology, it enables object recognition and supports various 2D and 3D target types. The kit empowers developers to create an array of augmented reality applications, opening a world of interactive possibilities.

From developing 3D product demonstrations to establishing AR digital twins, Vuforia is the go-to platform for devs seeking to innovate. It’s also a fitting choice for technology enthusiasts, game creators, and businesses desiring a captivating approach to their endeavours. Offering both Basic and Premium plans, Vuforia caters to varied needs and budgets intent on harnessing AR’s power.

Pros of Vuforia

• Highly compatible with iOS, Android, UWP and AR headsets/glasses
• Offers robust features such as real-time detection and data overlays
• Includes Cloud Recognition Database for target image storage
• Provides versatile licensing options, including a free Develop license for learning and non-commercial use

Cons of Vuforia

• Cloud Recognition Database not available in China
• Deprecation and future removal of the Virtual Buttons feature
• Requires contact with the company to cancel Premium plans

Code Examples for ARCore & Vuforia

ARCore

This code snippet focuses on configuring an AR session for plane detection. Quick prerequisite: Ensure you’ve imported Google’s ARCore SDK into your project.

    // Instantiate ARCore session
    ARSession session = GetComponent<arsession>();

    // An AR Session Config object, which contains settings for the session
    ARSessionConfig sessionConfig = new ARSessionConfig();

    // Enable Horizontal Plane Detection
    sessionConfig.PlaneFindingMode = DetectedPlaneFindingMode.Horizontal;

    // Set the session config
    session.SessionConfig = sessionConfig;

    // Resume Session
    session.enabled = true;
    </arsession>

Vuforia

A simple code showing how to use Vuforia to detect an image target. Pre-requirements: Ensure your Unity project has the Vuforia Engine installed and properly configured.

    // Instantiate a VuforiaBehaviour object
    VuforiaBehaviour vuforiaBehaviour = FindObjectOfType<vuforiabehaviour>();

    // Create an ImageTargetBehaviour object
    ImageTargetBehaviour imageTargetBehaviour = FindObjectOfType<imagetargetbehaviour>();

    // Set Vuforia's camera to ACTIVE
    vuforiaBehaviour.enabled = true;

    //Attach an event handler to track when the image is detected
    imageTargetBehaviour.RegisterOnTrackableStatusChanged(OnTrackableStatusChanged);

    private void OnTrackableStatusChanged(TrackableBehaviour.StatusChangeResult statusChangeResult)
    {
        // If the image is tracked, print to console
        if (statusChangeResult.NewStatus == TrackableBehaviour.Status.TRACKED)
        {
            Debug.Log("Image detected!");
        }
    }
    </imagetargetbehaviour></vuforiabehaviour>

The Final Say: ARCore vs Vuforia

In the epic face-off of ARCore vs Vuforia, here’s our verdict for different tech profiles out there:

Augmented Reality (AR) Developers

For those developers looking for an all-in-one package with extensive AR capabilities, ARCore offers the more feature-loaded solution with Geospatial API, Scene Semantics API, and wide OS compatibility, alongside consistent support and updates.

Game Designers

If you are a game designer seeking integration with Unity and compatibility with gaming-centric AR glasses such as HoloLens or Magic Leap, Vuforia clearly takes the precedence, with extensive developer support and unique features like VuMarks and Cloud Recognition Database.

Commercial App Developers

The bold creators of commercial apps aiming at imposing AR elements into existing apps will be pleasantly served by ARCore with its ability to scale and be incorporated into a diverse range of Android and select iOS devices.

Creative Technologists

For the technologists straddling the line between innovation and creativity, the breadth of features offered by Vuforia, including AR Digital Twin and advanced camera controls, assure artistic empowerment.

If you’re searching for a robust, all-around AR development tool with remarkable geospatial capabilities, ARCore is your ideal partner. But for a high compatibility, particularly within gaming and creative spheres, Vuforia offers unprecedented opportunities.