Augmented Reality SDK for Android Smartphones

As a world leader in next-generation mobile technologies, Qualcomm, Inc., recently launched its Augmented Reality (AR) Software Development Kit (SDK) for Android (News - Alert) smartphones. Qualcomm’s SDK is offered through its online developer network, QDevNet, and helps develop applications that provide enhanced and interactive 3D experiences on everyday objects such as tabletop 3D games and interactive media experiences on product packaging and promotional items.

In a press release, Jay Wright, director of business development at Qualcomm (News - Alert), said, “Qualcomm is making it easy for developers to create interactive 3D content for the real world. By making the Qualcomm AR SDK available at no charge, we are encouraging all developers to start building innovative applications and services today.”

By leveraging advanced computer vision technology, Qualcomm’s integrated AR platform with AR SDK enables a fundamentally different user experience in which graphics are perfectly aligned with real world objects. This is a revolutionary approach compared to the earlier technique that made use of phone's GPS and compass for mapping applications. Qualcomm’s SDK advanced feature set includes augmentation of everyday images on printed media as well as simple 3D boxes used for product packaging. Additionally, users can simply touch real world surfaces in order to interact with AR applications.

Qualcomm’s AR platform was presented for the first time at the Qualcomm’s Upling developer conference, which drew considerable interest from various industry leaders including mobile developers, consumer product manufacturers and marketers. Qualcomm’s AR platform was first launched at Mattel Inc., a leading provider of toys and family products, that helped develop Mattel's concept application to further empower the classic Rock 'Em Sock 'Em game. Following this, Ogmento, Inc., is also planning to deploy the innovative platform that will help drive commercial titles.

Ori Inbar, founder and CEO of Ogmento, said, “Qualcomm's AR platform and SDK provides features and performance that are critical to the game experiences we need to deliver. We see Qualcomm's technology as a key enabler for high-fidelity gaming that will allow us to bring compelling games to market.”

By converging mobile communications and consumer electronics, Qualcomm is empowering wireless devices  to deliver more personal, affordable and accessible services to people worldwide.