What causes latency in Augmented Reality applications?

1 Hardware limitations

One of the main causes of latency in AR applications is the hardware limitations of the devices that run them. AR applications require high-performance processing, rendering, and sensing capabilities, which can strain the resources of smartphones, tablets, or headsets. The hardware components, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, camera, sensors, and display, have to work together to capture the real-world environment, overlay the virtual content, and update it in real time. Any bottleneck or mismatch in the hardware can result in latency, especially if the AR application is complex or interactive.

2 Software complexity

Another cause of latency in AR applications is the software complexity of the AR framework, engine, and application. AR applications involve multiple layers of software that handle tasks such as image recognition, tracking, mapping, occlusion, lighting, animation, and user interface. These tasks require sophisticated algorithms, libraries, and APIs, which can introduce latency if they are not optimized, integrated, or compatible with each other. Moreover, the software has to adapt to different platforms, devices, and operating systems, which can also affect the performance and latency of the AR application.

3 Network conditions

A third cause of latency in AR applications is the network conditions of the internet or cellular connection that the AR application uses. Many AR applications rely on cloud-based services or data, such as maps, images, videos, or 3D models, which have to be downloaded or streamed to the device. The network latency depends on factors such as the bandwidth, signal strength, congestion, and distance from the server. If the network is slow, unstable, or interrupted, the AR application can experience latency, buffering, or glitches.

4 User behavior

A fourth cause of latency in AR applications is the user behavior and interaction with the AR application. The user can influence the latency by moving the device, changing the orientation, zooming in or out, or interacting with the virtual content. These actions can affect the workload of the hardware and software components, as well as the network traffic. For example, if the user moves the device too fast or too far, the AR application may have to adjust the tracking, mapping, and rendering of the virtual content, which can cause latency.

5 Environmental factors

A fifth cause of latency in AR applications is the environmental factors that affect the AR application. The AR application has to sense and respond to the real-world environment, such as the lighting, shadows, colors, textures, objects, and sounds. These factors can vary widely and dynamically, which can pose challenges for the AR application. For example, if the environment is too dark, too bright, or too noisy, the AR application may have difficulty recognizing, tracking, or mapping the real-world scene, which can cause latency.

6 How to reduce latency

Reducing latency in AR applications is a multifaceted process that depends on the hardware, software, network, user, and environmental factors involved. Generally speaking, one should use compatible and powerful hardware and optimize the software code and algorithms for the AR application. It is also important to select a reliable, fast, and low-latency network connection. Additionally, one should limit the complexity, size, and interactivity of the virtual content for the AR application and test and adjust it for different scenarios and conditions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?