WebXR
Reinventing the wheel of virtual and augmented realities, WebXR is at the vanguard of this tech revolution. It’s constantly evolving and championing the creation of immersive 3D art and VR tools alike.
WebXR Top Features
- Unifies VR and AR realities for seamless creation of tools and experiences.
- Rapid data processing and high precision with extremely low latency.
- WebXR Device API – designed to address performance dips and enhance device communication security.
- Broad and critical support in major browsers including Chrome and Firefox.
- Offers diverse toolkit compatibility, working seamlessly with AR.js, Three.js, A-Painter XR, A-Frame, ARCore.
- Offers future-proofed, adaptable browser-based cross-platform apps ideal for VR & AR.
- API gives developers access to device movement data and renders images.
- Integration of VR controller support.
| WebXR features | Details |
| Web Browsers Support | Edge, Chrome 79+, Opera 66+, Opera Mobile 64+, Samsung Internet 12+, Oculus |
| Native Applications | Allows networked experiences, i.e., tools like Unity and Blender support web exporting. |
| VR & AR Support | Both VR and AR sessions are supported using the same API. |
WebXR Limitations
- Web introduces specific challenges – traditional communication methods like Web Sockets might be too slow.
- Any glitch or disruptions above 20ms might impact user experience.
- WebXR is not a rendering technology – developers will need to handle rendering and texturing.
WebXR Use Cases
Use case 1 – Interactive 3D Art
With WebXR, artists can create immersive and interactive 3D art, revolutionising the way audiences interact with their creations.
Use case 2 – Immersive Entertainment
WebXR catapults 360 video and immersive entertainment to new heights, making it an ideal platform for creators in the entertainment field.
Use case 3 – Model Visualizations
Engineers, architects, and designers can leverage WebXR for model visualizations, enhancing their ideation and design process.
Oculus Runtime
Oculus Runtime signifies a significant shift in Oculus’ approach towards VR/AR application development. The company is moving from proprietary developer APIs to OpenXR, promising a more standardized and interoperable system supported by the broader VR industry.
Oculus Runtime Top Features
- Transition to OpenXR from proprietary Oculus Mobile and Oculus PC SDKs, ensuring greater industry standardization and interoperability.
- All new Oculus apps post-August 2022 will be built with OpenXR enabling access to new features.
- The Oculus Rift series, including the DK1 and Oculus Rift S models, provided a realistic VR experience at an accessible price point.
- The Oculus Store offers an optimized platform for VR content distribution.
| Support from Platforms | Expected Full Support by 2022 |
|---|---|
| Unity | OpenXR |
| Unreal Engine | Expected to coincide with Unreal Engine version 5 release |
Oculus Runtime Limitations
- Unity’s OpenXR support is currently experimental, offering potential for issues or instability.
- Motion sickness can be a concern for users, affecting overall user experience.
Oculus Runtime Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming
With the Oculus Rift series, Oculus Runtime has been extensively used in the gaming industry, providing an immersive experience for gamers.
Use Case 2: Social Applications
Despite Oculus primarily marketing Rift as a gaming device, social applications have emerged as popular VR experiences indicating Oculus Runtime’s potential for developing social interaction platforms.
Use Case 3: Industrial Applications
Oculus Runtime’s ability to produce realistic visuals makes it a valuable tool for fields like architecture and automotive design. Entities like Audi utilize it for product configuration and display.
