Wikitude

Wikitude is a mobile augmented reality (AR) technology provider based in Salzburg, Austria. Founded in 2008, Wikitude initially focused on providing location-based augmented reality experiences through the Wikitude World Browser App. In 2012, the company restructured it's proposition by launching the Wikitude SDK,[2] a development framework utilizing image recognition and tracking, and geolocation technologies.

Wikitude
Developer(s)Wikitude GmbH
Initial releaseOctober 20, 2008 (2008-10-20)
Stable release
8.2 / November 13, 2018 (2018-11-13)
Operating systemAndroid, iOS, UWP [1]
Available inEnglish
TypeAugmented reality
LicenseFree Trial and Commercial License
Websitewww.wikitude.com

In September 2021 Wikitude announced that it has been acquired by Qualcomm.[3]

The Wikitude SDK serves as a foundational product for the company. First launched in October 2008, the SDK includes image recognition and tracking, 3D model rendering, video overlay, location based AR. In 2017 Wikitude launched its SLAM technology (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) which enables object recognition and tracking, as well as markerless instant tracking.

The versatile SDK is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems, and it has also been optimized for various smart eyewear devices.[2]

The Wikitude app pioneered the use of a location-based approach in augmented reality.[4][5]

How it works

Location based augmented reality

Wikitude initially entered the market with its geo location AR app. The Wikitude app pioneered the use of a location-based approach in augmented reality.[4][5]

For location-based augmented reality, the position of objects on the screen of the mobile device is calculated using the user's position (by GPS or Wi-Fi), the direction in which the user is facing (by using the compass) and accelerometer. Augmentations can be placed at specific points of interest and afterwards viewed through the devices' screen or lenses.

One of the notable examples of location-based AR is Pokémon Go.

Image Recognition

Since August 2012, Wikitude also features image recognition technologies that allow for tracker images to trigger augmented reality technology within the app.[6]

The software identifies relevant feature points of the target image (also known as marker). This allows to overlay and stick augmentations in specific position on top or around the image.

SLAM: Instant Tracking, Object and Scene Recognition

In 2017 Wikitude launched its SLAM technology. Instant Tracking,[7] the first feature using SLAM,[8] allows developers to easily map environments and display augmented reality content without the need for target images (markers). Object Recognition is the latest addition based on SLAM, with the launch of SDK 7. The idea behind Object Recognition and Tracking is very similar to Image Tracking, but instead of recognizing images and planar surfaces, the Object Tracker can work with three-dimensional structures and objects (tools, toys, machinery…).

Discussion

Opinions differ as to whether the location-based approach of augmented reality implemented by Wikitude can be considered as augmented reality.[9] There is also concern for the accuracy of the GPS, compass and motion sensors used to calculate the position of the virtual objects. Inaccuracies could accumulate to the point that they prevent delivering a feasible result. In practice, this technique proves to be much simpler to implement than ones using the marker-based approach. In a current listing of the Top 5 AR Apps[10] from The Telegraph, three mobile applications use the location-based approach (Google Goggles used both approaches).

Awards
  • 2017:
    • Best Developer Tool 2017, Augmented World Expo[11]
  • 2015:
    • Honorable Mentions for Best Tool 2015, Augmented World Expo[12]
  • 2012:
    • Best Augmented Reality Browser, Augmented Planet[13]
    • Best Augmented Reality Developer Tool, Augmented Planet[13]
    • Android Apps Magazine – Best Augmented Reality app 2013[14]
  • 2011:
    • Best Augmented Reality Browser, Augmented Planet[15]
    • Best Augmented Reality Developer Tool, Augmented Planet[15]
    • Best BBM Connected Application, BlackBerry® EMEA Innovation Award[16]
    • Most Addictive Social App using BBM Social Platform, 2011 BlackBerry Developer Challenge[17]
  • 2010:
  • 2009:
    • Best Augmented Reality Browser, Augmented Planet[24]
    • GSMA Mobile Innovation 2009 Global Competition EMEA "Top Innovator"
    • Salzburger Wirtschaftspreis[25]
  • 2008:

References
  1. "Wikitude". Wikitude website. Wikitude GmbH. Retrieved 2011-09-07. Wikitude is an augmented reality software provider. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital vision and information on the real world to enhance human visual perception
  2. Wikitude (2014-11-23). "The world's leading augmented reality SDK". wikitude.com. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
  3. "Qualcomm confirms acquisition of Augmented Reality SDK provider Wikitude - Financial News". 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  4. Simon Perry (2008-10-23). "Wikitude: Android App With Augmented Reality: Mind Blowing". digital-lifestyles.info. Retrieved 2008-10-23.
  5. Daniel Wagner (2009-08-06). "History of Mobile Augmented Reality". Institute for Computergraphics and Vision. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
  6. Simon Sage (2012-08-17). "Wikitude update adds image recognition, enables quick exchange rate checking". androidcentral.com. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
  7. "Wikitude SDK 6 Embarks into Mixed Reality with Instant Tracking". WonderHowTo. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  8. "Tracking of a new generation - ViewAR and Wikitude on Augmented Reality apps". ViewAR - Augmented Reality (in German). 2017-05-22. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  9. Mok Oh (2009-08-23). "Is That *Really* Augmented Reality?". allthingsv.com. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
  10. Warman, Matt (January 11, 2010). "Top 5 augmented reality applications". The Telegraph. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  11. "2017 Auggie Awards Winners". Augmented World Expo. Retrieved 2017-06-21.
  12. Augmented World Exp (2015-06-10). "2015 Auggie Awards Winners". www.augmentedworldexpo.com/. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  13. Lester Madden (2012-11-01). "Readers Choice Awards 2012 Winners". www.augmentedplanet.com. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  14. Android Magazine (2012-11-15). "Android Apps Magazine – Best Augmented Reality app 2013" (PDF). www.androidmag.de. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
  15. Lester Madden (2011-12-21). "Readers Choice Awards 2011 Winners". www.augmentedplanet.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  16. RIM (2011-12-07). "Wikitude Expands Support for BlackBerry Smartphones". press.rim.com. Retrieved 2011-12-07.
  17. BlackBerry Partners Fund (2011-10-18). "BlackBerry Partners Fund Announces Winners of the "BBM" Competition in the 2011 BlackBerry Developer Challenge". www.blackberrypartnersfund.com. Retrieved 2011-10-18.
  18. Lester Madden (2011-01-07). "Readers Choice Awards 2010 Winners". www.augmentedplanet.com. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  19. WSA Mobile (2010-12-01). "Wikitude World Browser, WSA-mobile Winner in the category m-Tourism & Culture, 2010". www.wsa-mobile.org. Retrieved 2010-12-01.
  20. ESNC (2010-10-18). "Augmented Reality Navigation Brings Home First Prize in European Satellite Navigation Competition 2010". www.galileo-masters.eu. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  21. Navteq (2010-01-10). "NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge® CHAMPION". www.nn4d.com. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
  22. Monitor (2010-11-24). "Softwarepark Hagenberg Award". www.monitor.co.at. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  23. NAVTEQ (2010-10-18). "NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge® CHAMPION". www.nn4d.com. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  24. Lester Madden (2009-12-18). "Best Augmented Reality Of 2009 – Awards". www.augmentedplanet.com. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  25. WSA Mobile (2009-11-01). "Die Preisträger im Bereich Innovation". portal.wko.at. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
  26. Jason Chen (2008-05-13). "Android Developers Blog I Top 50 Applications". android-developers.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  27. Sarah Perez (2008-05-13). "Android Developer Challenge I Winners Announced: Our Picks". readwriteweb.com/. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  28. Tom Krazit (2008-05-13). "Google chooses 50 finalists in Android Developer Challenge". news.cnet.com. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  29. Erick Schonfeld (2008-05-13). "Fifty Android Developers Get $25,000 Each: The List". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
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