The technology behind AR (augmented reality) has existed for decades now, but it has finally gone mainstream only until recently. With social media apps like Snapchat making AR popular with its filters and games like Pokémon GO introducing AR in a fun way, the craze is only building.
Apple has enjoyed a front seat in the AR revolution thanks to its ARKit program, but now Google is catching up with the ARCore platform. Luckily, you can already find some of the best AR Android apps on the Google Play Store already, and we’ve sorted it all out for you.
Related: AR apps and games we want on Android
Let’s check out some apps that are already available on Android.
Big Bang AR
The Big Bang AR as an interesting tool to gain a virtual image of the discovery of this universe. The app is based on a nice concept that exposes you to an in-depth knowledge of our solar system topped by soothing background music as a perfect addition to the visuals.
The content is fairly educational and provides astronomical knowledge with AR technology as reviewed by a user.
Wow! A delightful and educational app for everyone. An excellent way to introduce astronomy to anyone. Thanks a tonne for this experience!
However, to have a good user experince you have to make sure that your device is compatible with this app.
Download: Big Bang AR
INKHUNTER – try tattoo designs
Love may not be forever, but permanent tattoos definitely are, which is why you need to be smart about the ones you get. There’s no way to guarantee how a tattoo will turn out to be, but an app called INKHUNTER helps you see exactly how a tattoo design would look in real time on your skin.
Packed with dozens of stylish tattoo designs of its own, INKHUNTER also allows you to pick up designs you have saved in your gallery. Simply select the tattoo and point the phone camera to the part of your body where you’d want the tattoo, and the app will display it in AR right away.
Download: INKHUNTER – try tattoo designs
Zoomquilt
The Zoomquilt offers zooming illusion artworks as live wallpapers for your smartphone. This app is a pick for creative individuals who love to see unique stuff on their phone screen.
The app is based on a unique concept that exposes you to a range of iconic wallpapers and screensavers for your phone. The visuals can seen as an inspiration to proceed with your creative journey in any field. However, there are chances that the app may behave jittery at times.
Download: Zoomquilt
Houzz – Home Design & Remodel
Houzz can be your personal assistant to come up with the best interiors or to perform complete remodeling of a given space. You can explore and buy from over 10 million products to find the perfect add on to your house interiors. And the varified products review on the platform makes it easier to make a better choice.
One of the most innovative and likable features is the ability to see through the entire house out of a single picture. For professionals, the app can be a decent pick to come up with paperless work to show their creations in a visually impressive manner.
Download: Houzz
Assemblr – Make 3D Images & Text, Show in AR!
If you are looking for an app that lets you create some interesting designs with AR, then this one is worth a try. Assemblr can be your platform to create 3D designs for various purposes such as powerpoint presentations, 3D printing, facebook posts, etc.
However, you need to make sure that your device is compatible with this app for smooth user experience. The app is fairly easy to use and can definitely be used as a learning platform.
Download: Assemblr
Sky Map
For all the stargazers out there, augmented reality connects the dots in the infinite universe and shows a different picture of the sky with the Sky Map. Originally developed and supported by Google, Sky Map is now an open-source project for aspiring astronomers to use their Android device and find the celestial bodies in the space.
All you need to do to get started is calibrate your device’s compass and point the device up towards the sky to get an augmented view of what lies above. With quick shortcuts to specifically view constellations, nebulas, and planets in our solar system, you’ll always have a planetarium in your pocket with the Sky Map.
Download: Sky Map
ARCore Elements
ARCore Elements is a pick for your first AR experience as the app features many AR core elements and allows you to interact with the AR world. However, device compatibility may impact the user experience for this app so make sure to check it once.
It highlights the AR principles and patterns such as creating and manipulating visual objects, real-world movement, designing environments and making a user interface. Try it for its AR demonstration and clear your doubts about what AR does.
Download: ARCore
My Tamagotchi Forever
The closest some of us came to parenting all the way back in childhood was when we had to look after, feed, and raise your very own virtual pet. All of this was made possible with just a little gadget that helped you keep a close watch on your Tamagotchi, introduced by Bandai Namco all the way back in the 90s.
Thanks to the AR push, this retro virtual pet is coming to life in a different dimension on Android with My Tamagotchi forever. From feeding your adorable pet to keeping them entertained and happy, this app will not only make the kids fall in love with Tamagotchis, but make us adults reminisce the old childhood days too.
Download: My Tamagotchi Forever
Augment – 3D Augmented Reality
Until now, AR was either an entertainment accessory or just a fun way to enjoy social media, but now it is making its way into the business world. One app that is building towards this purpose is Augment, which is here to help you bring 3D models alive in augmented reality.
Whether you’re a realtor who wants to make their brochures more interactive, an interior decorator who wants to help customers visualize your designs, or a publisher looking to make their books come alive with 3D AR illustrations, Augment can help you do all of this and more.
Download: Augment – 3D Augmented Reality
eBay
Being more than two decades old, there’s a good chance that this shopping app has already a home in your mobile app drawer, but did you know that is now comes packing AR capabilities? But instead of offering a cheap gimmick that involves augmented reality, eBay has added AR technology to solve a grave issue for sellers when trying to find the box size they need to ship their products.
This feature is called “Which Box” and now comes built into the eBay mobile app, allowing you to easily find the shipping container size needed for a product you’re selling. Using the camera and the power of ARCore, app virtually measures the dimensions of the package you want to send out and suggests the appropriate box size.
Download: eBay
Just a Line
This little gem comes directly from Google itself, and hopes to be the next great thing in the world of social media sharing which makes the most out of augmented reality. Just a Line makes the world your canvas, where you can doodle away to bring to beautiful AR creations to life.
The app is pretty straightforward, simply create a drawing or a doodle on the screen while the camera is turned on by the app, and hit the record button to create your very own augmented reality video to blow away your social media peers.
Download: Just a Line
The Walking Dead: Our World
If you thought games like Pokemon GO were pushing the boundaries between the virtual and real world, wait till you get some zombie killing action in AR with The Walking Dead: Our World game. This unique game puts you in a post-apocalyptic world, which is built right on top of your real world, offering some stunning location-based gaming.
Team up with the brave survivors of the zombie outbreak – Rick, Daryl, Michonne, and others to fight in your real world and get the Walkers before they get you. From completing exciting weekly challenges to teaming up with friends in real life to survive and create a society, while reclaiming your city from the dead.
Download: The Walking Dead: Our World
Do you have any other incredible AR app that you’d like to see on this list? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below.
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