Zuckerberg uses his 2018 F8 conference to tease new AR functionality for its most popular apps.
The mostly-annual F8 Developer Conference is a time when the company gathers creators and entrepreneurs dedicated to the Facebook platform in order to showcase its latest and greatest tools, products and secret new projects. This year Zuckerberg once again took to the stage to unveil a bevy of new information on the just-launched Oculus Go. However, AR also had its moment in the spotlight as we learned of a few new juicy details on upcoming changes to both the Messenger and Instagram applications.
As part of an ongoing closed beta, Facebook has begun allowing select brands to begin implementing AR filters to the official Messenger smartphone app. By tapping on a specialized AR button located on the app, you open access to a variety of augmented filters from companies such as Nike, KIA, Sephora, and ASUS. Sephora’s filter for example lets you try on different styles of make-up and then upload photos or videos to friends and family.
Image Credit: Facebook
Instagram AR is also receiving a fresh coat of paint in the form of AR camera platform support for third-party developers. By utilizing Facebook’s AR Studio, creators can build a wide range of interactive camera experiences including face filters as well as more complicated “world effects.” With Snapchat virtually owning the social AR scene at the moment, it’s exciting to see Facebook step up to the challenge and deliver even more immersive functionality to its social applications. This new AR functionality has already caught the attention of major players such as Ariana Grande, BuzzFeed, Vogue, Baby Ariel, Jiffpom, and the NBA.
Image Credit: Mashable
Along with this new AR support come updates to Facebook’s AR Studio creation software that are sure to put a smile on any developers face. Included in these changes are a simplified uploading system for 3D assets as well as analytical tracking for AR-based apps.
Between these new commitments to AR and the wonderfully-priced Oculus Go, it appears as though Facebook is still very much committed to its continuous goal of bringing VR & AR into the mainstream.
