Google AR Stickers brings Star Wars, Stranger Things characters to life: Here’s how to use it | HT Tech

Google AR Stickers brings Star Wars, Stranger Things characters to life: Here’s how to use it

Google AR Stickers are immersive, easy to use and more importantly, fun. Here’s how to get started with AR Stickers

By: KUL BHUSHAN
| Updated on: Dec 12 2017, 13:43 IST
Stormtrooper looks so real!
Stormtrooper looks so real! (HT Photo)
Stormtrooper looks so real!
Stormtrooper looks so real! (HT Photo)

Google has finally begun using its Augmented Reality (AR) platform ARCore in its applications. Users can have the first taste of Google's ARCore with the company's new application called AR Stickers.

In case, you haven't been up to date, ARCore is essentially a platform that brings native AR support in Android smartphones. The platform is quite similar to Apple's ARKit platform.

Google's AR Stickers consists of a slew of 3D characters including characters from popular Netflix series Stranger Things and cult Star Wars movie. While the AR Stickers sound a lot fun, it's currently restricted to select smartphones — Pixel 1st generation and the latest Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The app is compatible with these devices if they're running Android 8.1 Oreo.

How to use Google AR Stickers

Note that AR Stickers aren't available for users at the moment. The feature will be integrated within the native Google Camera on Pixel devices in "coming days." But if you want to use the AR Stickers, here's what you need to do.

First, download or update the AR Stickers app on your device. The app is free to download on Google Play Store. It's roughly 90MB in size, therefore we recommend you to download or update the application over the Wi-Fi.

Also, update Google VR services and download ARCore from Google's website. Do note that it's a developer version, but it works nonetheless. Now that you have downloaded/updated and installed all these applications, launch the camera application.

Navigate to the settings menu on the top left corner. You will spot the AR Stickers section below Portrait. Tap on the AR Stickers and follow the on-screen instructions.

Augmented Reality vs Reality.
Augmented Reality vs Reality. (HT Photo)
image caption
Augmented Reality vs Reality. (HT Photo)

To get started, move your phone around the space. This helps stickers land in the right spot.

Google's AR Stickers doesn't have a lot in its catalogue but whatever it has is just mind-blowing. Stormtrooper, R2-D2 robot, BB-8 Sphero look insanely real. From Stranger Things, the app has lead characters like Eleven and Dustin, and even the creepy Demogorgon.

You can drag the characters from the top panel and project it on the real surface. You can also adjust the size of these characters and delete anyone of them at any point.

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First Published Date: 12 Dec, 13:42 IST
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