Optimizing Augmented Reality Applications for Mobile Using Niantic's Product Suite

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative technology over the past five
decades, revolutionizing the way humans interact with their environment by seamlessly
integrating virtual content into the real world. With the advent of smartphones, these
compact devices have evolved into powerful computational tools capable of rendering
AR experiences, making AR accessible to a broader audience. This thesis explores the
advancements in AR technology, focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated
with developing performant Extended Reality (XR) applications for mobile platforms.
While native applications have traditionally dominated the AR landscape, the rise of
web-based AR solutions presents a compelling alternative due to their platform independence and ease of accessibility. However, these solutions face unique challenges, such
as dependency on network connectivity and performance limitations. This work aims
to analyze the trade-offs between native and web-based AR implementations, evaluate
their performance on modern mobile devices, and propose strategies to optimize AR experiences for diverse use cases. By addressing these challenges, this research contributes
to the ongoing evolution of AR as a ubiquitous and impactful technology in the digital
era.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Michael Plattner (Supervisor)