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250 million devices now support ARCore, Google celebrates with a new update
- Google announced that 250 million devices support ARCore.
- Google also released ARCore version 1.6, which includes improvements to lighting and more.
- ARCore version 1.6 is available for developers starting today.
With ARCore getting closer to its first birthday, Google announced that 250 million devices now support its augmented reality SDK. Supported smartphones include those from companies like Samsung, OnePlus, LG, Huawei, and much more.
Even iOS devices and devices from Xiaomi and HUAWEI that do not ship with the Play Store are supported. To that end, Google also announced that the Samsung Galaxy A3, HUAWEI P20 Lite, and others now support ARCore.
More substantial is the announcement of ARCore version 1.6, the biggest feature being the upgraded Sceneform. Sceneform is Google’s 3D rendering library for Java and previously defaulted to optimizing ambient light as yellow. Thanks to the default now being neutral and white, objects rendered in Sceneform 1.6 look as if they’re more naturally affected by light and color.
Sceneform 1.6 also includes an updated environmental image. The updated image allows apps to feature more natural scenes, which Google said are most noticeable when you view reflections from a smooth metallic surface.
The second and last new feature of ARCore 1.6 is the ability to screen capture and record in Sceneform. According to Google, a number of developers requested the ability to record. That said, users can also use the feature to share screenshots and videos on social media if an ARCore-supported app included the feature.
ARCore version 1.6 is rolling out today. Developers can download the updated SDKs from Google’s ARCore website.