One of the hot new features on newer flagships is their ability to work with augmented reality (AR) applications. Pokémon Go was the first big AR game release, and Apple introduced its Animoji feature in late 2017. On the Android side, Google has been working to provide a standardized AR ecosystem with ARCore.
This is everything you need to know about ARCore!
Origins with Tango
ARCore isn't Google's first foray into augmented reality. Earlier development kits and phones had Tango (first known as Project Tango); these were devices with dedicated camera hardware to do most of the same thing that ARCore now does in software. There were two phones that worked with Tango — the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro and the Asus Zenfone AR. The phones themselves were fine, but the AR implementation was half-baked at best. Requiring dedicated hardware and shipping on niche devices meant that Tango was never going to take the world by storm, but the lessons that Google and developers learned with Tango are still relevant with ARCore.
More: What's the difference between Tango and ARCore?
What phones work with ARCore?
ARCore launched on Google's Pixel line, but quickly spread to devices from other manufacturers. LG and Samsung flagships from the last couple years are supported, as well as the Asus ZenFone AR. As time goes on, expect most Android phones to support ARCore.
More: Every Android phone with ARCore right now
Which apps support ARCore?
ARCore applications range from lighter fare like being able to stick BB-8 on your desk to making sure that IKEA furniture you're looking at actually fits in your living room. There are education apps that can help you explore the world or the human body, and games for fighting aliens. Check out which apps you can use — you're sure to find something entertaining or useful!
More to come!
Google is just getting started with ARCore. There will surely be new features announced at this year's Google I/O developer conference and alongside this year's Pixel phones. Stay tuned to Android Central for more!
More: Google's answer to ARKit is ARCore, and it's available right now
These are the best games available on the Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 games are enhanced with the latest graphics and let you enjoy VR experiences untethered. But Oculus Store games can get expensive, so you don't want to waste your money. Here are the best games available in your favorite genres.
Nokia G20 review: An amazing battery can't cancel out its shortcomings
Nokia wants to undercut the best cheap Android phones with the Nokia G20, a $200 phone with a massive battery that will last you several days. Buying the Nokia G20 will save you money on other popular brands, and the phone has some great perks to offer in terms of software and design features. But its slow chipset makes it hard to recommend this phone unless you're on a strict budget.
Google Maps and Waze's differences can make road trips frustrating
When the whole family is loaded up and ready for a long road trip, the last thing you want is to fuss with your navigation. Both Waze and Google Maps have some amazing features to be excellent co-pilots, but there are key features to each platform that makes one better than the other in those areas. When you "need" both apps and all of the features at once, it can make for an irritating...
These Oculus Quest 2 accessories will make it easier to play while sitting
The Quest 2 is not a benchmark for comfort and sitting down to play it only makes it less comfortable. Here's some gear to help make your experience much more comfortable.