List of augmented reality software

The following is a list of augmented reality software including programs for application development, content management, gaming and integrated AR solutions.

Open source

• Argon, augmented reality browser by Georgia Tech's GVU Center that uses a mix of KML and HTML/JavaScript/CSS to allow developing AR applications; any web content (with appropriate meta-data and properly formatted) can be converted into AR content; as of November 2011, available for iPhone only.^[1][2]
• ARToolKit, an open source (LGPLv3) C-library to create augmented reality applications; was ported to many different languages and platforms like Android, Flash or Silverlight; very widely used in augmented reality related projects.
• ArUco, a minimal library for augmented reality applications based on OpenCV; licenses: BSD, Linux, Windows.^[3]
• Augment, an augmented reality platform for tablets and smartphones.
• JavaCV, A Java/Android interface to OpenCV; licenses: GPLv2 ^[4]
• ATOMIC Authoring Tool, a multi-platform authoring for creating AR applications on Microsoft Windows, Linux and Mac OS X operating systems.^[5]
• Goblin XNA, a platform for researching 3D user interfaces, including mobile augmented reality and virtual reality, emphasizing games; written in C#, based on Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0, BSD license.^[6][7]
• GRATF, open-source (GPLv3) project, which includes C# library for detection, recognition and 3D pose estimation of optical glyphs. The project includes application, which does 2D and 3D augmented reality.^[8]
• mixare (mix Augmented Reality Engine), open-source (GPLv3) augmented reality engine for Android and iPhone; works as an autonomous application and for developing other implementations.^[9][10]
• PTAM, non-commercial use only.^[11][12][13]
• DroidAR, open source (dual-license: GPLv3 or commercial) augmented reality framework for Android, featuring location-based and marker based AR.^[14][15][16]
• GeoAR, open source (Apache 2.0 License) browser for Android, featuring location-based AR and a flexible data source framework.^[17]
• BeyondAR, open source (Apache 2.0 License) augmented reality framework based on geo localisation for Android.^[18][19]
• Mangan, open source (Mango License) augmented reality framework based on Nano localisation for Android.^[18]
• Vrui
• ARma OpenCV-based minimal lirbary for AR apps^[20]

Proprietary

AR development toolkits

• Pikkart-AR SDK & ecosystem is an augmented reality SDK for mobile platforms, which provides on-device image detection and tracking methods, cloud recognition services and location-based markers, integrating navigation services and augmented reality.
• AR-Media SDK is an SDK by Inglobe Technologies which provides Tracking and Rendering Modules that are based on a variety of recognition and tracking methods, including 3D Object, Planar, Location and Motion Tracking.
• Kudan AR Engine is an AR SDK for iOS and Android devices.^[21]
• Layar SDK is an augmented reality SDK for iOS and Android apps.^[22][23]
• Catchoom CraftAR AR SDK is an iOS and Android SDK that renders Augmented Reality experiences with plugins for Cordova and Unity.^[24]
• Vuforia Augmented Reality SDK, formerly known as QCAR, is a Software Development Kit for creating augmented reality applications for mobile devices.^[25][26]
• Wikitude SDK is an augmented reality SDK for mobile platforms originated from the works on the Wikitude World Browser app by Wikitude GmbH.^[27] The Wikitude SDK was the first AR SDK providing a JavaScript API to work with augmented reality experiences.

AR content management systems

• Gamar, a web based platform to create, manage and publish educational trails and audio guides using augmented reality.
• Augment, a web based platform for managing 3D models and creating augmented reality experiences.
• Blippbuilder is a web-based system for creating AR experiences with image recognition.
• buildAR.com, a web based content platform for building geolocation and natural feature tracking based mobile augmented reality.^[28][29]
• Catchoom CraftAR, a web based content management system to create Augmented Reality experiences coupled with Cloud Image Recognition.^[30][31]
• Hoppala Augmentation, a web-based content platform for creating geolocation-based mobile augmented reality.^[32][33]
• HyperIndustry is an AR Procedure Management System for creating and publishing industrial procedures related to operations and maintenance.
• Layar Creator is a web-based AR CMS and creation tool for adding various digital media to flat surfaces with image recognition.^[34][35]
• TARTT, web based software to create, manage and publish Augmented Reality content by an integrated process with Adobe InDesign or other interfaces.^[36]
• Webcam Social Shopper, web based software for integrating apparel visualization on e-commerce sites.
• WakingApp, a desktop-based AR and VR creation platform that features cloud-based library for distribution of content to dedicated mobile apps.^[37][38]
• ZapWorks, a web based AR content creator platform built by Zappar.^[39][40]

Education

• AR Circuits - an app-based augmented reality electronics kit that uses marker cards to simulate electric components^[41]
• SkyView - an app-based tool for identifying stars, constellations, and satellites^[42]
• Anatomy 4D - creates three-dimensional visualizations of human anatomy using printed target images^[43]

End-to-end branded app solutions

• Aurasma
• Blippar
• Layar
• Nokia City Lens
• Wikitude
• XARMEX

Games

Certain gaming devices, such as the EyeToy, PlayStation Eye, Kinect, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita and some mobile devices, use cameras to augment computer graphics onto live footage. The majority of AR software uses special cards which are read by the device to pinpoint where the graphics will form.

• AR Games - a pre-loaded app on the Nintendo 3DS gaming console consisting of numerous AR games.
• A.R. Warriors - a turn based monster fight game for iOS and Android that can be played anywhere thanks to an "User Generated Target" technology.
• Bravely Default - Features an AR Movie Mode which recognises a series of AR Cards to display short augmented reality introductions to the playable cast and more.
• Cool Stacks - a game developed by Marxent Labs for Speedway LLC, is an integration of an augmented reality game into a consumer loyalty application.^[44]
• Cybergeneration - a table top role-playing game by R. Talsorian, includes "virtuality", an augmented reality created through v-trodes, cheap, widely available devices people wear at their temples.
• Dead Space - a video game in which a RIG worn by Isaac Clarke is thoroughly equipped with augmented reality technology, including a navigation system that projects a line along the best route to his destination, and a system that displays images, video and text in front of him. In conjunction with the game, an augmented-reality website called No Known Survivors was released in 2008.
• E.X. Troopers - a video game with an AR Mode on the Nintendo 3DS version. This recognises AR Cards of characters to display them as well as numerous emotes and attacks when the player presses inputs.
• Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F - a video game in which an option named AR Mode allows the console to project Hatsune Miku onto a Fiduciary marker. This enable her to sing as an Augmented Reality Vocaloid.
• Hydrophobia - a survival-adventure video game from Dark Energy Digital features the MAVI (Mobile Automated Visual Interface), which is a tool used to enhance environmental geometry among other purposes.
• Ingress - a location-based mobile game developed by Niantic Labs for iOS and Android devices where two teams (Resistance and Enlightened) battle for control of regions and landmarks.
• LyteShot - an open source mobile gaming system that uses sensor-based technology to play digital video games, such as first person shooters, in the live action space.^[45] It can also use smartglasses for interactive gameplay.
• Pokémon Go - a free-to-play location-based, augmented reality game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices.
• Raving Rabbids: Alive & Kicking
• Spectrek - an augmented reality ghost hunting game.^[46]
• Star Wars Rebels - an augmented reality first-person shooter built by Blippar for the launch of the Star Wars Rebels TV show.^[47]
• The Land - indie location-based mobile game for Android with a fantasy theme and an emphasis on strategic gameplay.
• Tuttuki Bako - a minigame system from Bandai is described as featuring augmented reality.^[48]
• "Zombies, Run!" - An interactive running game that is available on the Android and iPhone platforms. The player takes the role of "Runner 5", surviving in a zombie apocalypse era while trying to learn how it all started.

References

1. MacIntyre, Blair. "Argon". Georgia Tech Augmented Environments.
2. MacIntyre, Blair. Argon and the AROS (AR in Open Spaces) project for ISEA2012 Blair's Research Blog, September 21, 2012
3. "ArUco: a minimal library for Augmented Reality applications". Machine Vision Applications, University of Cordoba.
4. ATOMIC Authoring Tool, SourceForge.net
5. "bytedeco/javacv: Java interface to OpenCV and more". Github.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
6. Oda, Onan; Feiner, Steven. "Goblin XNA: A Platform for 3D AR and VR Research and Education". Columbia University Computer Graphics & User Interfaces Lab.
7. "Developing AR Application using Goblin XNA | Azerdark". Azerdark.wordpress.com. 2011-03-16. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
8. Kirillov, Andrew. "Glyph Recognition And Tracking Framework".
9. Samani, Nitin. mixare – A New Augmented Reality Engine For Android, Augmented Planet March 19, 2010
10. "mixare – Open Source Augmented Reality Engine". mixare.org
11. Klein, Georg; Murray, David. Parallel Tracking and Mapping for Small AR Workspaces, Active Vision Laboratory Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
12. Smith, Andy Hudson. Parallel Tracking and Mapping on the iPhone: Augmented Reality App Development, Digital Urban June 25, 2009
13. "About | Parallel Tracking and Mapping (PTAM) news". Ewokrampage.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
14. "Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting". Code.google.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
15. "DroidAR". Droidar.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
16. Madden, Lester. DroidAR Engine For Android Developers, Augmented Planet, May 4, 2011
17. "GeoAR < Projects < TWiki". Wiki.52north.org. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
18. "Home". BeyondAR.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
19. "BeyondAR/beyondar: Augmented Reality framew...". GitHub.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
20. Georgios Evangelidis, ARma library: Pattern tracking for Augmented Reality
21. Kudan AR SDK, Kudan Ltd.
22. Layar Solutions, Layar
23. House of Fraser adds AR to mobile app, NFC World
24. Catchoom CraftAR AR SDK Catchoom CraftAR AR SDK
25. Vuforia (Augmented Reality), Verious.com
26. Goodwin, Richard. Qualcomm’s Vuforia shows massive potential for Augmented Reality, 11 September 2012
27. Wikitude SDK
28. Alliban, James. – ARE2010 – Augmented Reality utopia in Silicon Valley June 10, 2010
29. buildAR (Smart 100), Anthill Magazine, March 24, 2012
30. Woods, Ben (2014-01-14). "Catchoom Launches CraftAR to Make It Easier to Create Augmented Reality Content". Thenextweb.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
31. Bergen, Mark (2014-01-13). "Augmented Reality CEO Calls for an End to Augmented Reality "Gimmicks"". Re/code. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
32. Sterling, Bruce. Augmented Reality: Hoppala as content platform, Wired, March 7, 2011
33. Cameron, Chris. Augmented Reality Becoming More Like the Read/Write Web ReadWriteWeb, July 16, 2010
34. Layar. "Features". Layar. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
35. Eaton, Kit (2012-06-06). "Layar Sticks The Knife In QR Codes With Augmented Reality Magazine System". Fastcompany.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
36. Takondi. "TARTT AR CMS". Takondi. Retrieved 2016-05-25.
37. "Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem". Techinasia.com. Retrieved 2016-01-09.
38. "WakingApp Presents Augmented and Virtual Reality Platform". VRFocus. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
39. "ZapWorks takes mobile AR and VR creation to the masses". VentureBeat.com. Retrieved 2016-08-22.
40. "ZapWorks". Retrieved 2016-08-22.
41. "AR Circuits - Augmented Reality Electronics Kit". arcircuits.com. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
42. "Terminal Eleven: SkyView - Explore the Universe". www.terminaleleven.com. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
43. "Anatomy 4D | Qualcomm". Qualcomm. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
44. Larsen, Dave (16 July 2013). "Firm Makes Speedway Game ; Application Created by Kettering Company Gets 100,000 Downloads". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
45. Beckman, Mariah (December 8, 2014). "LyteShot Interview with CEO Mark Ladd & CTO Tom Ketola". Gizorama. Retrieved January 4, 2015.
46. Saket (2011-03-17). "36 Awesome Augmented Reality Apps & Games for Android". Techsplurge.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.
47. "Disney Star Wars Rebels: Play Blippar's most advanced AR game yet".
48. "Augmented Reality? The Tuttuki Bako box needs your finger to play with virtual characters | TechCrunch". Crunchgear.com. Retrieved 2016-01-31.