Google ARCore has changed the way we looked at augmented reality. The software development kit (SDK) is not limited to phones with top of the line chipsets and, unlike Apple’s ARKit, this is available to a much wider audience – even to people with mid-range and affordable phones.
With ARCore developers can create a hybrid world where the virtual world mixed with the real one and then you may use your phone’s camera as a window to peep in. Google has thrown the platform open to various developers to make apps for AR gaming, shopping, and art.
Here’s a rundown of best ARCore apps that can enjoy now, but first, let’s talk a bit about phones that can actually access ARCore apps.
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Google ARCore compatible phones
Most device with Android 7.0 or later will support ARCore, and the enabler app can be downloaded from Google Play Store. Apple iPhone users can also access ARCore apps, provided their devices are running on iOS 11.0 or later.
Some of the popular phones with Google ARCore support include Pixel 3, 3XL, 2, 2XL; OnePlus 6T, 6, 5, 5T; Nokia 8.1, 6.1, 7 Plus, 8 Sirocco; Moto G7, G6, G6 Plus, Z2 Force; and Samsung Galaxy S10, S10+, S9, S9+ S8, S8+, A8, and A8+.
For the complete list of compatible devices, visit Google’s developer’s page.
Best Google ARCore Apps for Android Phone in 2018
1. Measure App
The Measure app is Google’s proprietary app, borrowed from its first augmented reality project, Project Tango. The app is built on ARCore and can measure real-life things by using the phone’s camera.
We tested the Measure App, and more often than not it measured the objects accurately. It may sound absurd but think of times when you may want to know the height of a tree, a table, spare living room space, or a building in front of you – the Measure App can be quite helpful.
You could also try: AR Ruler App
2. INKHUNTER- try tattoo designs
If you’re like me and love tattoos, but want to try them to see how it will look, then this is the app for you. Simply, open the app, and you could either register or use it anonymously. Now, choose any design from the galore of choices from various designers on different themes. You could also try on your designs too.
Once decided, the app asks you to draw a square smiley with an actual pen on the body part where you want to ink the tattoo. This smiley hints the app of the desired tattoo location. Once, it detects, the design is placed. You could also tinker with the inbuilt editor to make it look the way you want.
3. Just a Line – Draw Anywhere with AR
The Just a Line AR app is the creation of Google’s creative lab. The app is compatible with almost every ARCore phones and lets you have fun with augmented reality. Using the camera, you can draw or write anything on any surface. After doing so, you can walk around it to see it from different angles.
The app is mostly static and doesn’t offer many options, you can, however, record your work and share with peers.
4. Playground AR Stickers
The Playground AR Stickers is no longer exclusive to Pixel devices and is one of the best AR apps. Using the phone’s camera, you can drop the animated stickers on real-world objects and have fun. Currently, the list of AR Stickers is concise but there are still quite a few you to experiment with.
To use an AR Sticker, go to the phone’s camera app swipe from the left of your screen and choose AR Stickers from the menu, from there you can pull any sticker you want into your photo. You can record and even tap on them to share and interact, respectively.
Pro tip: This has been ported to most ARcore compatible devices. So, browse the web to see if your device is supported.
5. MoleCatch AR
How could we miss ARCore games? The MoleCatch AR is a decent augmented reality-based gaming app to start with. The phone’s camera helps you see Moles in the real world, and hit them as and when they appear.
The MoleCatch AR may not be dynamic but keeps you entertained. There is only one mode in the app where you try to beat your personal best score. For best results, play on a flat surface.
6. Stack Tower AR
Stack Tower AR is another option you can consider for AR gaming. It uses ARCore to place the blocks on top of each other in your environment until they crashed out. Simple! Isn’t it? The Stack Tower AR is compatible on almost every supported phone, and you can use it to while off some time from your boring day.
7. Beer Pong AR
The Beer Pong AR is a simple game where you try to put a ball inside the cups, but all this virtually and using the phone’s rear camera. It is made possible through ARCore to bring the playing area on the flat surface near your surrounding. The Beer Pong AR app is still in its initial stage so you may come across a few bugs and find it challenging.
8. BigBang AR
Are you a curious being who wants to know and experience the creation and evolution of the universe? If yes, you would love this app. It is developed by CERN, which is the same nuclear research organization behind the Large Hadron Collider. The visual elements are mesmerizing. You are advised to wear headphones to immerse into the visual along with the sublime voice of Tilda Swinton. You could also turn on the subtitles. You could also capture the mixed reality interactions too.
9. Porsche Mission E
This one is a special pick for all the automotive enthusiast out there. This innovative initiative from the global brand lets you explore the Mission E sports car anytime anywhere. You could explore the interior and exterior of the car, take it on an AR test drive. Heck, you could even get a hang of the charging and driving technologies in X-Ray mode.
10. Sky Map
This hand-held planetarium uses AR to identify stars, planets, nebulae and more. The initial calibration could take some time and device movements. But after this curveball, it could show you the stars and other cosmic objects in the directions your camera is pointed at. Try this during the nighttime for a better experience for the obvious reasons.
You could also try: Star Chart
Also Read: 35 Best PUBG Mobile Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Useful Google ARCore Games and Apps For Android Phones
There are endless ARCore apps in the Play Store, but not all of them are compatible with all phones. Hopefully, they will be in the future. Until then, enjoy these options and let us know how you feel about them in the comment section below.
Thanks for the blog post, can I set it up so I get an alert email when you write a fresh update?