I am sure that you have heard or even used augmented reality more than once. The very animals in 3D from Google, about which we wrote a lot, work on the basis of this technology. But the fact is that launching augmented reality on Android – a smartphone just won't work. It is necessary that the ARCore system application be installed on the device, which is part of Google Play services and, accordingly, may not be available to all users. Here's how to get around this limitation.
ARCore can be installed on any Android – smartphone
I propose to start with a more detailed explanation of what ARCore is. If you stick to the terminology that Google uses, then this is an SDK, or a set of development tools that provide the ability to run augmented reality on a device running Android. It is he who allows developers to create applications with AR (artificial reality) support, using the smartphone camera and forcing it to combine augmented reality with everyday reality. The output is a virtual object that is placed in real 'textures'.
How to download ARCore
To get ARCore to work on Android – a smartphone that doesn't support it in principle, a workaround can be used. It does not even require obtaining root rights, and therefore is suitable for everyone who has problems with reproducing augmented reality.
- Launch 'Settings' and allow downloading from unknown sources;
- Follow this link and download the TangoCore app;
Miracles will not work without these two applications.
- Then follow this link and download the HelloAR app;
- Install both applications on your smartphone and grant the necessary permissions.
Since both applications are designed to play a passive role, there is no need to expect any revelation from them. That is, their main task is to passively ensure the operability of augmented reality on your device. So after installing TangoCore and HelloAR you can try running something AR compatible. For this, 3D animals from Google are perfect, among which you will surely find an animal that you or your pets like. Try it, it's interesting.
How to use ARCore
Augmented reality can work even without the official ARCore
It is important to understand that TangoCore and HelloAR are a solution designed for smartphones that do not support ARCore by default. Therefore, I see no reason to even try to install these applications on a device that has no problems with augmented reality and that supports Google Play services. Anyway, you will not discover anything new for yourself. Moreover, neither TangoCore nor HelloAR on your device may launch at all, conflicting with the already installed ARCore. So don't risk it.
Despite the fact that the developers of this ARCore activation method promise the widest compatibility with different devices based on Android, they still present several requirements. First, the smartphone must have at least 1 GB of RAM and at least 1 GB of free disk space. Secondly, the processor that ensures the performance of your device must be 64-bit, not 32-bit. But, if your device meets these criteria and does not support ARCore, then go ahead.