How to get AR apps run even on Unsupported Android phones ?

Unity Engine
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1

Hi all,
I’m trying to learn AR and build apps into my old Android phone. I downloaded AR Foundation sample 5.1 and whenever I build it into the phone, it always said “This app requires the latest version of Google Play Services for AR”. But I can’t download the service as it’s not supported on my phone (from Google ARCore supported devices list).
After setting ARCore optional (Project Settings > XR Plug-in Management > Google ARCore), the whole screen is blank.

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However, AR apps from Google Store still some how work on the phone:
ARloopa - working face recognition, slightly inaccurate plane tracking.
Fectar - doesn’t have any working tracking at all, but I can still open the app and view models along with camera.

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So my question is, how can they make AR run on unsupported phone ? Are there anything I can do to at least has it function like ARloopa ? Thank you

My phone:
Xiaomi Redmi 8 2019 - MIUI Global 12.5.3 - Android 10

Unity 2022.3.20f
AR Foundation 5.1.2
Google ARCore XR Plugin 5.1.2
XR Core Utilities 2.3.0
XR Interaction Toolkit 2.5.2
XR Legacy Input Helpers 2.1.10
XR Plugin Management 4.4.0

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1 Like
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The definition of “unsupported” means that ARCore does not work on the device. There is nothing you can do to enable ARCore support on the device.

3

Thanks, so what you meant is that AR apps that I found on Google Play (and still functional on my phone) use different AR engines than ARCore, right ?

4

Presumably yes, but I’m not familiar with any of the apps you are talking about. This is really a question for Google and/or the developers of those apps.

1 Like
5

ARLOOPA has its own engine for AR which they sell.

It can be a Pseudo AR Experience that uses only the gyro and camera feed, like in my AR Camera Lite.

Example of AR Shooter with pseudo AR that doesn’t require ARCore:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyRGS0KqTUw

1 Like
6

Thanks for clarifying :slight_smile: