As Android device partners ship new products, Google has been diligent in its efforts to ensure that users can enjoy ARCore apps once they boot up their new toys.
On Monday, Google updated its ARCore Supported Devices page to include the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy Tab S4, the Sony Xperia ZX2 line of handsets, and the Nokia 6.1 Plus.
Since launching ARCore 1.0 to 13 devices in February, Google has extended support to more than 60 Android devices in the US and five models in China, as well as 12 Apple products to support its Cloud Anchors multi-player platform.
While we've noted before that Google's app-based approach to its augmented reality toolkit does offer it some flexibility in pushing updates to devices, the latest round of device support updates does expose the downside. Since ARCore isn't baked into Android, Google is faced with addressing compatibility on an individual device-by-device basis.
Conversely, ARKit is integrated into iOS, so iPhone and iPad owners don't have to download a separate app to ensure AR functionality is unlocked for their chosen ARKit apps.
Nonetheless, Google appears to be making it a priority to make sure as many new Android devices as possible support ARCore out of the gate, if not out of the box.
Just updated your iPhone to iOS 18? You'll find a ton of hot new features for some of your most-used Apple apps. Dive in and see for yourself:
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