When pinpointing AR solutions, Augment shines for broad applications, emphasizing products, user interactions and extensive field-of-view. On the other hand, 8th Wall, an award-winning, developer-centric WebAR platform, excels in rapid, app-less delivery with precise SLAM-optimized experiences. Choose Augment for wide ranging AR applications, but opt for 8th Wall if your core approach is WebAR interactivity.
Key Differentiating Factors: Augment vs 8th Wall
- Experience Delivery: Augment presents AR in broader, spanning applications while 8th Wall focuses on precise, immersive WebAR experiences.
- Platform Access: Augment demands hardware components for AR while 8th Wall’s WebAR is instantly accessible on any smartphone.
- Development: 8th Wall offers a cloud editor for efficient WebAR/VR development, Augment doesn’t mention a similar feature.
- Industry 4.0 Ecosystem: Augment integrates with Industry 4.0 elements like big data, automated robots, 8th Wall is more narrowly focused on AR.
| Comparison | Augmented Reality (AR) | 8th Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | AR augments real world with digital visuals, sound, or other sensory stimuli via technology. | 8th Wall is a WebAR developer platform and computer vision technology stack enabling interactive web-based AR. |
| Implementation | AR uses hardware components like a processor, sensors, a display and input devices. | 8th Wall experiences accessible on any smartphone, no app required. Utilizes JavaScript, WebGL for development. |
| Applications | AR applied in mobile computing, business applications, retail, healthcare, entertainment etc. | 8th Wall powers commercial experiences for top-tier brands across various sectors. |
| Difference from VR | AR overlays digital info onto real world. VR replaces user’s real-world environment with a simulated one. | WebAR provides immersive experience integrating with viewer’s surroundings with SLAM engine. |
| Safety and Collaboration | AR enables better collaboration and safer working conditions in fields. | 8th Wall provides development to distribution and discovery of WebAR content. |
| Education Application | AR apps enable users see 3D images of body systems for medical training. | WebAR used in education for greater interactivity with objects. |
| Consumer Interaction | AR ties animation or contextual digital info to real world for augmented experiences. | 8th Wall offers hand tracking for placing virtual objects on human hands, fingers and wrist. |
| Industry 4.0 Ecosystem | AR is part of a cloud-connected Industry 4.0 ecosystem. | 8th Wall’s Cloud Editor is a cloud-based integrated environment for WebAR and WebVR development. |
| Compatibility with Hardware | AR can be delivered through smartphones, tablets, glasses. | 8th Wall relies on webAR technology alone. |
What Is Augmented Reality (AR) and Who’s It For?
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real world with digital visuals, sounds, or other sensory stimuli. AR aims to increase understanding and derive smart, accessible insights by highlighting specific features of the physical world. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR) that creates an entirely new environment, AR supplements the existing world to augment a user’s experience.
Whether it’s for mobile computing, business applications, retail, healthcare, or entertainment, AR opens up a realm of possibilities. Its uses range from promoting products/services and launching marketing campaigns to aiding design, decision-making, and education.
Pros of Augmented Reality (AR)
- Increases brand awareness due to interactive experience.
- Boosts sales by promoting products and services in a realistic virtual setting.
- Enhances employee training and learning comprehension by integrating AR into procedures.
- Makes products and equipment more accessible and safer to use.
Cons of Augmented Reality (AR)
- Requires high-end hardware components (processor, sensors, a display, and input devices).
- AR experiences may differ based on the device being used and the quality of content.
What Is 8th Wall and Who’s It For?
8th Wall, founded in Palo Alto, California, is driving a paradigm shift in the way we perceive reality. Winner of Niantic Inc.’s award for its innovative AR developer platform and computer vision technology stack, 8th Wall is bringing augmented reality to everyone via its web-based platform (WebAR).
Its technology has powered over 2000 commercial experiences since it broke through in 2019. Whether you are a brand seeking to provide immersive experiences, a developer looking to create custom WebAR content, or a consumer looking to explore AR, 8th Wall has got you covered.
Pros of 8th Wall
- Offers a plethora of tools for developers to create, distribute and discover WebAR content.
- Introduces new features like hand tracking and Sky Effects.
- Available on any smartphone – no app needed. Has powered over 2,000 commercial experiences.
Cons of 8th Wall
- Requires understanding of technical languages like JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5 for creating AR experiences.
- Commercial license can become quite expensive, exceeding $2000 USD per month.
The Final Face-off: Augment vs 8th Wall – Which One Shines?
The colossal clash of AR titans – Augment and 8th Wall – approaches its epic conclusion. Each brings a gamut of groundbreaking offerings, but how do they stack up for different user segments?
Developers & Game Makers
If you’re a developer or game maker, 8th Wall receives a solid vote. Its formidable toolkit comprising the AR Engine & Cloud Editor provides robust support across development, distribution, and WebAR content discovery. It’s the ultimate playground for those conversant with JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5.
Retail Brands & Marketers
For retail brands & marketers, it’s a tight race. Augment stuns with its ability to promote products, launch campaigns, and gather unique user data. Yet, 8th Wall played in over 2,000 commercial experiences in its first full year. Its WebAR’s prowess influences purchase decisions and requires no app – a marketer’s dream.
Healthcare & Education
The healthcare & education sector can greatly benefit from Augment’s comprehensive AR functionalities. With its technology, users can visualize 3D images of body systems for medical training or enhance educational content, making learning interactive and immersive.
End Users & Consumers
8th Wall emerges as the clear winner for the end-users & consumers segment. Its AR experiences can be accessed on any smartphone, making the ‘no app required’ feature a definite crowd-pleaser. With hand tracking and human AR, the user interaction level is unmatched.
In this titan clash of AR frameworks, if you value developer tools and web-based experiences with no app requirement, roll with 8th Wall. However, those seeking extensive AR integrations across numerous sectors will find ally in Augment.
