A new update to ARCore means more Android apps will be able to offer enhanced AR features and to make lives easier for users and developers. ARCore 1.7 adds Augmented Faces,
As excitement for augmented reality (AR) grows, we see more and more examples of it’s use each and every day. Fun and engaging AR elements in Instagram and Snapchat have captured the hearts and minds of millennials everywhere.

The practical uses for AR are far from limited to augmented selfies, but the fact we’re bombarded with photos of people in bunny ears illustrates the demand for AR content. ARCore is an evolving framework and the software development kit by Google used to build AR applications.
Augmented Faces
Building upon existing software, Augmented Faces uses the Android’s current front-facing camera to first recognize a face, then apply a 468-point 3D mesh. This mesh or mask automatically tracks and changes with the subject’s movements. This can all be used to apply a wide range of textures, objects or include retouching and more subtle effects.

An early sample demonstrated the fluidity of the process showing us how a golden metallic mask with smooth contours can quickly be applied.
Sceneform Object Animations
Another welcome addition in ARCore 1.7 is more support for
Plane Finding & Object Manipulator
Adding further potential, other elements like a refined Plane Finding surface detector plus a multi-axis Object Manipulator can be integrated into AR apps without the fuss and muss of hand-built features. Thanks to this update to ARCore Elements, detecting surfaces and manipulating virtual objects becomes easier and creations can be resized with a gesture.

Funny Faces and Funny Places
The ARCore 1.7 update makes real AR app development more accessible and provides a new range of possibilities for eager developers. Visit the ARCore download management page at the Android developer site to grab version 1.7.0 (SDKs available for Java, C, iOS,

Now there’s nothing keeping you from developing that next big game changer in AR. As Augmented reality frameworks continue to evolve, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
When opportunity knocks, you answer.