Facebook introduces new AR tools for creators
Facebook today announced new features for its Spark AR augmented reality (AR) platform, which it expects will be used by developers and creators to create metaverse applications. During the business’s second quarter earnings call this year, the company outlined its aspirations to create a virtual “metaverse,” and Spark AR’s new capabilities assist provide advanced AR capabilities to apps built on the platform.
In the field of technology, the metaverse is an idea that dates back to the 1960s. It envisions a virtual environment where people may socialise, buy real estate, and go about their daily lives. It’s frequently featured in science fiction films, such as Ready Player One.
Polar app
The business announced that it would release the Polar app for iPhones, which would allow users to “create and share” AR effects and filters right from their phones. “Polar is a free iOS app, powered by Spark AR, that will make it easier for you to imagine, create and share AR effects and filters, directly on your mobile phone. Polar is built by creators for creators, with an intuitive user interface and a range of templates to help you jumpstart effect creation,” according to a blog post from the business.
Later this year, the business plans to invite creators to participate in a closed beta.
Geofenced AR effects and body tracking
A new Geo JS application programming interface (API) has also been revealed by the business, which will allow AR use-cases to be limited to certain geographic regions. The capability, according to Facebook, may be used to build scavenger hunts, guided tours, and other AR activations that require specific locations in the real world.
The feature could be useful in games like Pokemon Go, as well as music concerts and other events where AR effects must be “connected to distinct places of interest throughout the venue.” “In Spark AR Studio, the Geo JS API will offer a world tracker and open up some fascinating, new options for various AR experiences anchored to certain latitude and longitude coordinates,” according to the blog post.
Spark AR will now include two additional features: body tracking and hand tracking. Developers will be able to link AR effects to specific body movements using body tracking, something that platforms like Snapchat already do. To exploit such capabilities for e-commerce, the American messaging and photography startup collaborated with Indian Flipkart yesterday.
Hand tracking, on the other hand, can assist in the inclusion of motions in AR applications. “This is the first of a multi-phased capability rollout that will support the hand bounding box. In our beta testing so far, we’ve seen some playful uses of hand tracking from performative art and comedic skits, to fantastical superpowers,” Facebook stated.
Geo JS, body, and hand tracking will not be accessible until later this year, according to the business.
Spark AR will also make it easier for developers to place 3D things such as characters, GIFs, text, stickers, and more in the actual environment. “We’re also improving the technical tooling for objects to allow for high-fidelity experiences, especially for use cases like commerce and shopping, with virtual try-ons and product previews,” according to the business.
New courses for AR makers are now available.
A new Spark AR certification programme and an AR Pro course are also available from Facebook. The two initiatives are part of a $150 million Facebook Reality Labs education programme aimed at improving the skills of advanced and intermediate AR artists. “The certification programme is aimed for expert AR creators who want to stand out in the industry, either to enhance their careers or to explore additional creator-for-hire possibilities with brands and agencies,” according to the business. The certification course will cost $150, but the first 2000 creators who sign up will receive a discount.
Finally, the business announced a collaboration with Unity, a game engine developer, to incorporate the company’s ‘Create with VR for Educators’ course. For such courses, it will also form partnerships with educational institutions.