Introduction to LiDAR Technology in iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 Pro has taken a major step forward with the inclusion of a LiDAR Scanner, making it a powerhouse for augmented reality (AR) experiences. This advanced technology enables the device to create an accurate 3D map of its surroundings, allowing for the seamless integration of virtual objects into the true world. However, the introduction of this feature seems to follow a "construct it and they’re going to come" strategy, as Apple didn’t showcase many specific applications that display the advantages of LiDAR in the course of the device’s launch event.
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology that measures the time it takes for light to achieve an object and reflect back. According to Francesca Sweet, Apple’s iPhone product line manager, "We’ve adopted this technology for iPhone, and with the machine learning and depth frameworks of iOS 14, iPhone understands the world around you, and builds a precise depth map of the scene." The LiDAR Scanner within the iPhone 12 Pro has a variety of 16 feet, works each indoors and outdoors, and creates maps almost immediately.
Applications of LiDAR
LiDAR technology will not be latest and has been utilized in various fields reminiscent of terrain mapping, including on Mars probes, and in self-driving cars to sense objects around them. Apple first introduced LiDAR within the 2020 iPad Pro and has now brought it to the iPhone 12 Pro. The primary purpose of LiDAR within the iPhone 12 Pro is to boost augmented reality experiences. AR overlays computer-generated images onto the true world, requiring precise knowledge of the situation of real-world objects.
Augmented Reality and LiDAR
The inclusion of LiDAR within the iPhone 12 Pro is a major step forward for augmented reality. As Sweet noted, "Lidar makes iPhone 12 Pro a robust device for delivering fast AR and unlocking countless opportunities and apps." Although Apple didn’t reveal specific AR applications in the course of the launch, previous reports suggested that the corporate is working on a shopping-oriented AR app for iOS 14. Games are one other obvious use case for AR, with the potential to create immersive experiences just like the Pokémon Go phenomenon a number of years ago. The LiDAR Scanner would have significantly enhanced the Pokémon Go experience, allowing for more realistic interactions between virtual objects and the true world.
Beyond Augmented Reality
While LiDAR is primarily related to augmented reality, its applications extend beyond AR. The technology improves camera performance by speeding up focusing in low-light photography by as much as 6 times. Additionally, LiDAR enables advanced room scanning capabilities. A demo of Jig Workshop Pro using an iPhone 12 Pro’s LiDAR Scanner to capture the contours of a workspace and lay out a production facility using 3D models of machines and workstations showcased its potential.
Preparing for the Future
Despite the potential of augmented reality, it has yet to realize widespread adoption. Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 12 Pro appears to be centered around making a device that may handle advanced AR applications, hoping that this can spur developers to create more powerful and realistic AR experiences. This approach goals to interrupt the "chicken or egg" scenario where the shortage of capable devices hindered the event of advanced AR apps. With the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple has provided the vital hardware, and it’s now as much as developers to create applications that justify the inclusion of LiDAR in flagship iOS devices. The update to Snapchat’s Lens Studio, which takes advantage of the 3D scanner, is perhaps the primary of many AR applications to come back.
Conclusion
The introduction of LiDAR technology within the iPhone 12 Pro marks a major advancement in augmented reality capabilities. While Apple’s approach might sound premature, given the present state of AR adoption, it underscores the corporate’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is feasible with mobile devices. As developers begin to explore the potential of LiDAR, we are able to expect to see more revolutionary and immersive AR experiences that blur the road between the virtual and real worlds. With the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple has set the stage for a future where augmented reality becomes an integral a part of our each day lives, and it can be exciting to see how this technology evolves and improves over time.
