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| Facebook launches multiplayer augmented reality effects option |
As people's interest in augmented reality continues to grow and people become accustomed to communicating through video calls and virtual meeting tools, Facebook has announced the next phase of its augmented reality development options.
Facebook introduced the new Multipeer Digital Effects API, which enables developers to create augmented reality experiences for multiple stakeholders that can produce a range of effects.
The Multipeer Digital Effects API enables augmented reality effects that can be shared by multiple participants at the same time during a video call.
"Although video calls have a long history, they mostly consist of a video channel and an audio channel," Facebook said.
By introducing the Multipeer API, Facebook offers a data channel that enables AR Effects to communicate seamlessly between users and devices.
For example, Spark AR shared a promotional video for a birthday party for video calling that featured an AR party hat on each attendee's head.
The company believes this fundamental change will help transform augmented reality from a single user and single screen experience to a multi-user, multi-screen experience, and will make new use cases more accessible to augmented reality effects.
Facebook and Augmented Reality:
This development could open up a range of new opportunities for brands to create compelling AR experiences. These experiences can improve relationships with customers and improve interaction with digital products.
The process can also provide a new learning experience with built-in instructions that guide customers through the process. Or an extended question-and-answer session plus Christmas branding influence.
In addition, Facebook has also developed full-body tracking for augmented reality. Much like Snapchat's ability to scan the entire body.
As augmented reality takes the next step, this development becomes even more important. In fact, the development of augmented reality glasses has led to digital overlays and effects.
Recent Snapchat research shows that by 2025, nearly 75% of the world's population will be using augmented reality frequently.
It may sound optimistic. But depending on the trend of adoption, here we go. This means that new augmented reality tools like this one are increasingly becoming the norm.
Facebook's new Multipeer Digital Effects API is now in testing. Any creator can apply to participate in the initial development and testing. Candidates must be familiar with Spark AR Studio and have working knowledge of JavaScript.
Over 600,000 creators from 190 countries have posted over 2 million AR impacts on Facebook. This is because Spark AR was announced in 2017.