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Question How does Unity's MARS compare to PTC's Vuforia?

Discussion in 'Unity MARS' started by Joberon, May 13, 2021.

  1. Joberon

    Joberon

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    Posts:
    13
    Currently, our organization has been creating AR application using PTC's Vuforia engine for both target/marker based image tracking and plane based tracking. Due to the costs of using their service, however, we're researching other alternatives.

    How does MARS compare to Vuforia when it comes to image/marker based tracking?

    What kind of support systems are available for MARS? For reference, Vuforia has a VIP service that costs extra, but ensures that we can submit tickets and get a response within 24-48 hours.

    Any other pros or cons you can provide would also be much appreciated!
     
  2. philc_unity

    philc_unity

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2018
    Posts:
    29
    Hi there. MARS leverages platform-based image/marker tracking technology via AR Foundation. This means on, for example, iOS or Android device, you are using OS-level tracking technology provided by Apple or Google, respectively.

    We don't currently support cylindrical targets or object targets in the way that Vuforia does, but what we provide so far is a good alternative economically. We continue to work on adding world understanding support along with partners.

    In terms of support, Unity has free and paid options you can assess here -
    https://unity.com/support-services

    Hope that helps!

    Phil
     
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  3. Joberon

    Joberon

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    Posts:
    13
    Thanks for responding Phil! I'm still having a hard time understanding the difference. Are you saying that due to MARS using the OS-level tracking technology of each individual device, the performance is going to fluctuate based on the type of phone?

    And if this is the case, do the best devices still provide a tracking capability that is on par with Vuforia?
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2021
  4. jmunozarUTech

    jmunozarUTech

    Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2020
    Posts:
    297
    Hello @Joberon,

    you are correct, performance depends on the device you have since MARS uses the capabilities of the APIs of ARKit and ARCore for each platform. You could try MARS on a trial to assess if its on par with vuforia against each device.
     
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