The google-ar/arcore-android-sdk repository contains the ARCore SDK for Android, which enables developers to create augmented reality experiences for Android devices. ARCore uses various technologies to integrate virtual content with the real world as seen through a device's camera.

Pros

• Provides powerful AR capabilities for Android devices
• Backed by Google, ensuring regular updates and support
• Offers a wide range of features including motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation
• Extensive documentation and sample projects available

Cons

• Limited to Android devices that support ARCore
• Requires a certain level of expertise in 3D graphics and Android development
• May have performance issues on lower-end devices
• Privacy concerns due to the use of camera and sensor data

Code Examples

1. Initializing ARCore session:

private lateinit var arCoreSession: Session

try {
    if (ArCoreApk.getInstance().requestInstall(this, !installRequested) == ArCoreApk.InstallStatus.INSTALLED) {
        arCoreSession = Session(this)
    }
} catch (e: UnavailableException) {
    // Handle exception
}

2. Creating an anchor:

val anchor = hitResult.createAnchor()
val anchorNode = AnchorNode(anchor)
anchorNode.setParent(arSceneView.scene)

3. Adding a 3D model to the scene:

ModelRenderable.builder()
    .setSource(this, R.raw.andy)
    .build()
    .thenAccept { renderable ->
        val node = Node()
        node.renderable = renderable
        anchorNode.addChild(node)
    }

Getting Started

1. Add ARCore dependency to your app's build.gradle:

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.google.ar:core:1.30.0'
}

2. Add AR-required permissions to your AndroidManifest.xml:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.CAMERA" />
<uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.camera.ar" android:required="true"/>

3. Initialize ARCore in your activity:

override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
    if (ArCoreApk.getInstance().checkAvailability(this) == ArCoreApk.Availability.SUPPORTED_INSTALLED) {
        // ARCore is available and installed
        arCoreSession = Session(this)
    } else {
        // ARCore is not available
    }
}