What do you do if your AR technology fails and leaves you in a bind?

There are several factors that could cause an AR app to fail: Compatibility: If the device being used isn't AR-enabled, the app won't function properly. Connectivity: If your internet connection is down and the AR app relies on it, make sure your network is up and running smoothly

AR app failing can be due to many factors, for initial checks 1. see if it's a hardware issue, was the app built optimized for universal performance? 2. is it internet-dependent to initiate? 3. Has there been any kind of software updates that are unaccounted for

When your AR technology fails, start with simple checks. Ensure your device is charged and software is updated. Check internet connection and device calibration. Simple issues like low battery or smudges can cause malfunctions. By troubleshooting these basics first, you can often resolve the problem quickly.

Key Initial Checks: Device Charge: Ensure your AR device is fully charged, as low battery power can cause system failures. Software Updates: Verify that the software or app you're using is up-to-date, as outdated applications can lead to malfunctions. Internet Connection: Check your internet connection, as AR often relies on real-time data streaming. Device Calibration and Cleanliness: If using AR glasses or headsets, confirm that they're properly calibrated and clean, as smudges or misalignment can disrupt your experience. By starting with these initial checks, you can quickly identify and resolve simple issues, potentially saving time and resources that would be spent on more complex troubleshooting.

AR experiences will help a customer connect with their target audience. These fun and engaging experiences may be a one-time event or ongoing. It's essential to check your material to educate the viewer correctly. These educational pieces may include the QR code, an instructional video, or a flyer. AR should enhance the user experience of the event or brand image. Conversely, a clumsy attempt to use AR will hurt the brand. AR is new to everyone. Please keep it simple.

Error Messages: Diagnostic Insights Error messages are valuable diagnostic tools when AR technology fails. Carefully note the exact wording and search online for specific solutions. Error messages can: -Identify software or hardware issues -Suggest connectivity or configuration problems -Point to outdated software or firmware By analyzing error messages, you can pinpoint the root cause and apply targeted fixes, streamlining the troubleshooting process.

Error messages are useful in development but with AR, the problems happen in the real world and you usually can't keep a computer plugged into your phone during real world testing to watch the logs. One way to get around this is by planning ahead and pushing structured logs (error, warning, info) to a central repository. Sentry is one tool that provides the ability to see errors and dive into details about what device, OS version, browser, etc which is super helpful. Another powerful tool is Posthog which has session replays so if your experience is failing you can see what errors get thrown during the session. You can pair this with cloud messaging/push notifications or even just in app alerts to notify the users of any issues to avoid.

If a quick fix or temporary workaround is possible, implement it to minimize disruption to your project or application. This could involve disabling certain features, modifying configurations, or employing alternative methods to achieve the desired functionality. Also, always have backup plans in place for critical components of your project. This might include alternative AR technology providers, fallback features, or workflows that can be activated in case of failure.

Software Reset: A Critical Troubleshooting Measure In the event of AR technology failure, a software reset is a vital troubleshooting step that should not be overlooked. This process involves completely closing and restarting the application, effectively rebooting the system and allowing it to start anew. By doing so, temporary glitches can be resolved, functionality can be restored, and software-related issues can be cleared. As a simple yet effective measure, a software reset can help resolve issues quickly, saving valuable time and resources. It is essential, however, to save important data before resetting to avoid loss of progress or critical information.

Hardware Troubleshooting: Identifying Physical Issues When AR technology fails, hardware troubleshooting is crucial to identify physical issues. Check for damaged or loose connections, worn-out components, and overheating. Inspect AR glasses or headsets for smudges, misalignment, or damage. Verify proper calibration and cleaning. Physical issues can cause software malfunctions, so addressing hardware problems first can streamline troubleshooting and prevent unnecessary software resets or updates.

Advanced Settings: A Precise Troubleshooting Approach When diving into advanced settings, a meticulous approach is crucial. Advanced calibration and developer options can be powerful tools for resolving complex issues, but require a deep understanding of the technology to avoid introducing new problems. By leveraging features like 'safe mode' and carefully isolating variables, you can pinpoint and address issues with precision, minimizing the risk of further complications.

If your AR system doesn't work and you have no idea about how to fix this, look for some people with more experience with you that may help you. If you are relying on some external frameworks, try contacting the company offering them, because they may have better insights than you on what is going wrong. If it may have sense for your context, you can also try asking questions on some forums or inside AR communities (e.g. on Reddit), where some expert of the field may give you some support.

Sometimes it's just 3D assets which doesn't work in AR. Here is one example from my experience: native SceneViewer and QuickLook for Android and iOS devices didn't show glTF and converted from glTF USD models at all if the model contained lines. So, keep in mind to check not only the software or tool which runs AR scene, but also 3D models you load into the scene. They may be too big for smooth experience or has extensions unsupported by the environment. In the latter case I speak mostly about glTF specification, as it is the most popular format for mixed reality experiences which is extensible and not all modifications, like Draco compression or mesh instancing extension, may be supported by different loaders.