Zappar Launches Updated Platform for Making AR Apps

AR content creation platform Zappar recently announced the launch of the sixth version of its platform. The platform allows users to create AR apps and experiences that can be used with elements already in their environment.

If you’re a developer or aspiring AR app developer not yet familiar with Zappar, now is a great time to get to know them. If you already use Zappar, you’re probably excited to hear about the updates.

What Is Zappar?

Zappar is an augmented reality platform and creative studio rolled into one. It also allows users to incorporate AR elements into their apps. You can also use Zappar with your products if you don’t have an app. This software package allows users to do everything themselves or do whatever parts of the process they are comfortable with.

The most powerful part of Zappar is the ZapWorks studio. The studio gives developers all of the tools that they need to create 3D artefacts for use in their interactive programs. Users also have access to a library of 3D artefacts made by other users. The previous update made it even easier for users to contribute to this library.

ZapWorks Designer is Zappar’s drag and drop tool that, according to the company, enables “anyone to quickly create” AR experiences without having to leave their browser. This tool allows users to create an AR app from 2D and 3D digital artefacts. These artefacts are simply dragged or dropped into page templates. Once the basics are complete, users can take advantage of a library of scene transitions to make their projects pop.

There’s also the Zappar App itself. The app, available on iOS and Android, allows users to host their AR experiences on Zappar. That means that content creators don’t need to create their own app to have their AR experiences available.

Finally, Zappar works with users to integrate AR experiences into their existing apps. This way, users don’t need to reinvent their existing apps from the ground up to incorporate AR elements.

What Are the Updates?

So, now that we’re caught up on what Zappar does, what does the update bring?

“This new update is our most impressive release to-date and makes ZapWorks Studio one of the most versatile and scalable AR platforms currently on the market,” Zappar CEO and Cofounder Caspar Thykier said in a press release.

The blog post that announced the update mentions a lot of changes. The one that they’re really excited about is world tracking. In case you aren’t familiar, world tracking allows users to place 3D artefacts in their environment without a target. AR apps are increasingly moving toward world tracking. As a result, Zappar giving its users access to this technology is pretty significant. World tracking, combined with facial tracking rolled out in the last update, makes Zappar truly versatile.

The update also affects the scripting editor. It’s a fairly more advanced coding feature. One of the benefits of Zappar is that it allows users to go as deep as they want to go. If you’re an expert coder, this update will give you a lot more freedom. If you’re an intermediate coder, it helps you on your journey by simplifying and automating some features. And, if you don’t know anything about coding, it won’t complicate your experience.

Finally, the update includes a beta version of mobile web support. This tool is meant to make it easier for users to access AR experiences without needing to download experiences through the app.

ZapWorks Studio has a lot of features that are available elsewhere. Where it really stands out is its versatility and integration with Sketchfab’s 3D model library. Between these existing features and the new updates, all AR app developers should be aware of this powerful tool.