On the current WWDC 2024 occasion, Apple previewed visionOS 2, which is able to arrive later this yr. The developer beta model is already obtainable, and now we learn about a brand new option to expertise VR within the Imaginative and prescient Professional.
The brand new VR video games can be found through WebXR within the Imaginative and prescient Professional’s Safari browser. WebXR a well-established cross-platform know-how that lets builders create immersive and combined actuality apps through web sites. There are a number of JavaScript frameworks obtainable akin to Three.js, Babylon.js, PlayCanvas, Wonderland, and A-Body.
Whereas there was a option to allow WebXR in earlier variations of visionOS, it wasn’t on by default, signaling help was restricted and WebXR apps may have issues. By switching this function on, Apple appears to be suggesting most WebXR apps ought to work on the Imaginative and prescient Professional.
Apple defined methods to use the brand new WebXR capabilities in a developer video the place a chess app was performed through an area file connection, simulating a web site for testing and debugging functions earlier than the net app is revealed. In response to RoadToVR, Apple’s implementation solely permits immersive apps. Hopefully, combined actuality help will arrive within the basic launch.
Within the instance, you navigate to the WebXR web site to start out the chess sport and choose a button to enter VR. An immersive scene hundreds with the digital chessboard able to play. Interplay is identical as another visionOS app. You have a look at a chess piece and pinch to seize and transfer it. The pc opponent makes its transfer, and the method continues. To depart the immersive view, use the Finish VR button.
There are already many WebXR apps, and most ought to be appropriate with visionOS 2. You may as well use a Bluetooth keyboard for video games that use the basic WASD-key motion scheme. The visionOS 2 replace additionally sends gamepad and voice to WebXR, so there are many enter choices for builders to make use of.
The Imaginative and prescient Professional app library is rising, nevertheless it’s nonetheless small in comparison with the huge variety of VR and combined actuality video games obtainable for the Meta Quest 3.
RoadToVR talked about MoonRider, a Beat Saber-like rhythm sport. You could find extra at sport web sites like itch.io.