Feeling shut out of the AR world? It's a valid concern, especially with giants like Meta and Adobe stepping back from their AR creation tools. But don't worry, a new player has arrived, aiming to democratize the augmented reality experience: Trace, the self-proclaimed 'Canva of AR'.
This innovative app, designed for both iPad and iPhone, promises to be a game-changer by allowing anyone to craft high-fidelity, location-based AR experiences without needing to know any code or have specialist skills.
Trace was created by a team of alumni from the AR developer Magic Leap. The app empowers users to design and share interactive AR experiences, enabling them to build digital objects that interact with physical spaces. It's equipped with a range of features, including scene editing, 3D recording, 3D drawing, annotation tools, and persistent anchoring, ensuring that content can be permanently added to any space. To get you started, there are content libraries filled with AR-ready models, and sharing your creations is as easy as sending a link or a QR code.
But here's where it gets exciting: Trace is built with cross-device support in mind, meaning the AR experiences you create today will seamlessly scale to the next generation of mixed-reality headsets and glasses. Imagine your creations looking stunning on future devices!
Currently, you can view your AR creations through the Trace Viewer app, available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Plus, you can import existing 3D assets using the Web Studio app. Early access is also available for headset viewers like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest.
And this is the part most people miss... Trace is already making waves in the industry. Early adopters include major players like ESPN, T-Mobile, Telefónica, Lenovo, and Deutsche Telekom, who are using the app for brand activations, retail experiences, trade show installations, visualization, and employee training. One notable activation was at the 50 Years of Hip Hop summit in NYC in 2023.
Trace's CEO, Greg Tran, recognized the frustration of existing AR workflows, which were often 'locked behind technical walls.' The app is designed to be fast and intuitive, with learning resources available on its website. The Trace app is free to download from the Apple App Store, with an optional premium subscription costing $20 per month. In a generous move, Trace is offering three free months of its premium plan to creators who were affected by Meta and Adobe's departure from the AR space.
Do you think Trace can truly live up to its 'Canva of AR' title? Is it a much-needed solution for those who feel left behind by the AR industry's shifts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
