ARCore

What is ARCore?

ARCore is Google's platform for building augmented reality experiences that enables motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation on Android devices for applications in education, retail, and construction.

How does ARCore work?

Designed as a software-only solution compatible with Android Nougat and later versions, ARCore democratizes access to AR technology across billions of Android devices. The platform's SDK provides developers with essential capabilities including horizontal and vertical plane detection, lighting analysis, and anchor points that maintain virtual object positioning.

How is ARCore used?

The ARCore features allow educators to place interactive 3D models into classrooms, retailers to let customers visualize products in their homes before purchasing, and construction professionals to overlay building plans onto physical sites.

While functionally similar to Apple's ARKit for iOS, ARCore has evolved as a standalone product separate from Google's Daydream VR initiative, focusing exclusively on delivering high-quality augmented reality experiences to the vast Android user base.