Apple's latest mobile operating system, iOS 11, just released today. One of the biggest updates that should get the attention of architects is ARKit, Apple's new augmented reality framework. ARKit provides the opportunity to for Apple and 3rd party developers to create AR experiences anew, or to enhance existing applications for iPhone and iPad.
Augmented reality is relatively old news, but the fact that this framework is now baked into the most popular mobile device in the world, soon to be married to Apple's latest AR-friendly hardware, is big news. Millions of people around the world will soon have some of the most advanced AR tools in their pockets, regardless if they want it. Businesses and app developers now have the opportunity to show the potential of AR to people without requiring them to purchase expensive new hardware and software.
Trace, an app that allows designers to trace over photos and imported images, was just updated today with augmented reality features allowing the user to uncover virtual perspective grids at accurate scales.
Color Seed takes Color Capture one step further, helping the designer source furniture, surfaces, materials and complimentary colors through a color-based search algorithm.