Ikea’s augmented reality “try before you buy” app has just launched on Android.
The idea is that you get an accurate 3D impression how furniture and other wares will look in your home, especially in terms of design. The app includes over 3,200 items for you to check out from lamps to sofas to wastebins.
The app uses Google ARCore, Google’s augmented reality software for Android. ARCore has been in preview for a while but launched properly last month.
If you’re thinking you’ve heard of Ikea Place before, chances are you actually have – it’s been available for iOS since the launch of iOS 11 and Apple’s ARKit software. We’ve used both apps and we can say that both are neck and neck in terms of their capabilities.
The Android app also introduces a new visual search feature powered by Grokstyle, enabling you to match stuff in your house (or more likely someone else’s house!) with items from the Ikea catalogue. It uses your device’s camera, naturally. Visual search has also launched on the latest version of the iOS app.