Wikitude Explained

Wikitude
Developer:Wikitude GmbH
Discontinued:yes
Latest Release Version:9.14.0
Operating System:Android, iOS, UWP[1]
Language:English
Genre:Augmented reality
License:Free Trial and Commercial License

Wikitude is a mobile augmented reality (AR) technology provider based in Salzburg, Austria. Founded in 2008, Wikitude initially focused on providing location-based augmented reality experiences through the Wikitude World Browser App. In 2012, the company restructured its proposition by launching the Wikitude SDK,[2] a development framework that uses image recognition and tracking, and geolocation technology.

In September 2021 Wikitude announced that it has been acquired by Qualcomm.[3]

The Wikitude SDK (software development kit) serves as a foundational product for the company. First launched in October 2008, the SDK includes image recognition and tracking, 3D model rendering, video overlay, location based AR. In 2017 Wikitude launched its SLAM technology (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) which enables object recognition and tracking, as well as markerless instant tracking.

The versatile SDK is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems, and it has also been optimized for various smart eyewear devices.[2]

The Wikitude app pioneered the use of a location-based approach in augmented reality.[4] [5]

As of September 21, 2023, no new subscription purchases can be made, and existing subscriptions cannot be renewed. Support for the Wikitude SDK is scheduled to cease on September 21, 2024, at which time all associated Wikitude services will be shut down.[6]

Functionality

Location based augmented reality

Wikitude initially entered the market with its geo location AR app. The Wikitude app pioneered the use of a location-based approach in augmented reality.[4] [5]

For location-based augmented reality, the position of objects on the screen of the mobile device is calculated using the user's position (by GPS or Wi-Fi), the direction in which the user is facing (by using the compass) and accelerometer. Augmentations can be placed at specific points of interest and afterwards viewed through the devices' screen or lenses.

One of the notable examples of location-based AR is Pokémon Go.

Image Recognition

Since August 2012, Wikitude also features image recognition technologies that allow for tracker images to trigger augmented reality technology within the app.[7]

The software identifies relevant feature points of the target image (also known as marker). This allows to overlay and stick augmentations in specific position on top or around the image.

SLAM: Instant Tracking, Object and Scene Recognition

In 2017 Wikitude launched its SLAM technology. Instant Tracking,[8] the first feature using SLAM,[9] allows developers to easily map environments and display augmented reality content without the need for target images (markers). Object Recognition is the latest addition based on SLAM, with the launch of SDK 7. The idea behind Object Recognition and Tracking is very similar to Image Tracking, but instead of recognizing images and planar surfaces, the Object Tracker can work with three-dimensional structures and objects (tools, toys, machinery, etc.).

Reception

Opinions differ as to whether the location-based approach of augmented reality implemented by Wikitude can be considered as augmented reality.[10] There is also concern for the accuracy of the GPS, compass and motion sensors used to calculate the position of the virtual objects. Inaccuracies could accumulate to the point that they prevent delivering a feasible result. In practice, this technique proves to be much simpler to implement than ones using the marker-based approach. In a current listing of the Top 5 AR Apps[11] from The Telegraph, three mobile applications use the location-based approach (Google Goggles used both approaches).

Awards

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wikitude. Wikitude website. Wikitude GmbH. 2011-09-07. Wikitude is an augmented reality software provider. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital vision and information on the real world to enhance human visual perception.
  2. News: The world's leading augmented reality SDK. Wikitude. wikitude.com. 2014-11-23. 2015-06-22.
  3. News: Qualcomm confirms acquisition of Augmented Reality SDK provider Wikitude - Financial News. 2021-09-23. 2022-01-12.
  4. News: Wikitude: Android App With Augmented Reality: Mind Blowing. Simon Perry. digital-lifestyles.info. 2008-10-23. 2008-10-23.
  5. News: History of Mobile Augmented Reality. Daniel Wagner. Institute for Computergraphics and Vision. 2009-08-06. 2009-08-06.
  6. Web site: 2023-09-12 . Wikitude Product and Services End-of-Life Announcement . 2023-11-26 . wikitude.com . en-US.
  7. News: Wikitude update adds image recognition, enables quick exchange rate checking. Simon Sage. androidcentral.com. 2012-08-17. 2012-08-17.
  8. News: Wikitude SDK 6 Embarks into Mixed Reality with Instant Tracking. WonderHowTo. 2017-07-20. en.
  9. News: Tracking of a new generation - ViewAR and Wikitude on Augmented Reality apps. 2017-05-22. ViewAR - Augmented Reality. 2017-07-20. de-DE.
  10. News: Is That *Really* Augmented Reality?. Mok Oh. allthingsv.com. 2009-08-23. 2009-08-23.
  11. Web site: Top 5 augmented reality applications. The Telegraph. January 11, 2010. July 2, 2016. Warman, Matt.
  12. News: 2017 Auggie Awards Winners. Augmented World Expo. 2017-06-21.
  13. News: 2015 Auggie Awards Winners. Augmented World Exp. www.augmentedworldexpo.com/. 2015-06-10. 2017-03-21.
  14. News: Readers Choice Awards 2012 Winners. Lester Madden. www.augmentedplanet.com. 2012-11-01. 2012-11-01.
  15. News: Android Apps Magazine – Best Augmented Reality app 2013. Android Magazine. www.androidmag.de. 2012-11-15. 2012-11-15.
  16. News: Readers Choice Awards 2011 Winners. Lester Madden. www.augmentedplanet.com. 2011-12-21. 2011-12-21.
  17. News: Wikitude Expands Support for BlackBerry Smartphones. RIM. press.rim.com. 2011-12-07. 2011-12-07.
  18. News: BlackBerry Partners Fund Announces Winners of the "BBM" Competition in the 2011 BlackBerry Developer Challenge. BlackBerry Partners Fund. www.blackberrypartnersfund.com. 2011-10-18. 2011-10-18.
  19. News: Readers Choice Awards 2010 Winners. Lester Madden. www.augmentedplanet.com. 2011-01-07. 2011-01-07.
  20. News: Wikitude World Browser, WSA-mobile Winner in the category m-Tourism & Culture, 2010. WSA Mobile. www.wsa-mobile.org. 2010-12-01. 2010-12-01.
  21. News: Augmented Reality Navigation Brings Home First Prize in European Satellite Navigation Competition 2010. ESNC. www.galileo-masters.eu. 2010-10-18. 2010-10-18.
  22. News: NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge® CHAMPION. Navteq. www.nn4d.com. 2010-01-10. 2010-01-10.
  23. News: Softwarepark Hagenberg Award. Monitor. www.monitor.co.at. 2010-11-24. 2010-11-24.
  24. News: NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge® CHAMPION. NAVTEQ. www.nn4d.com. 2010-10-18. 2010-10-18.
  25. News: Best Augmented Reality Of 2009 – Awards. Lester Madden. www.augmentedplanet.com. 2009-12-18. 2009-12-18.
  26. News: Die Preisträger im Bereich Innovation. WSA Mobile. portal.wko.at. 2009-11-01. 2009-11-01.
  27. News: Android Developers Blog I Top 50 Applications. Jason Chen. android-developers.blogspot.com. 2008-05-13. 2008-05-13.
  28. News: Android Developer Challenge I Winners Announced: Our Picks. Sarah Perez. readwriteweb.com/. 2008-05-13. 2008-05-13.
  29. News: Google chooses 50 finalists in Android Developer Challenge. Tom Krazit. news.cnet.com. 2008-05-13. 2008-05-13.
  30. News: Fifty Android Developers Get $25,000 Each: The List. Erick Schonfeld. TechCrunch. 2008-05-13. 2008-05-13.

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