WWDC 2018: Key Highlights

It's okay if you've missed the WWDC 2018 live stream. In another case, you may want to sort out the messy information quickly presented on it. Then you're in the right place. So let's start.

IOS 12
Apple has paid a decent amount of attention to AR compared to the other iOS 12 features . It's not a coincidence since the company is betting big on the AR, foreseeing that it can change the modern technologies dramatically.

ARKit 2.0 greatly improves ARKit models capabilities
When Apple released the ARKit SDK in September 2017 they provided tools for AR software development to everyone. Now they announce the ARKit 2.0 for iOS 12 containing several major improvements:

Cooperative AR experience
It's a hot feature that allows several users to share a single virtual surrounding. Finally, the dream of gamers is becoming increasingly real. Lego has already showcased a virtual playground where players can communicate with the merged virtual and original reality.

Identification of 3D objects
Unlike the previous version that only supports flat items like a paper sheet or table surface, ARKit 2.0 allows programmers to identify any possible 3d objects.

Storing AR objects
Another breathtaking improvement is the capability for an app to remember the location where you've left an AR item or a space. To save the location you need to bind AR items and spaces to real-world objects (like table or plate) or real-world spaces (like a living room or cafe).

Apple in cooperation with Pixar has introduced an innovative file format designed to share AR 3D graphics and animations called USDZ. Your users will easily manipulate with these files like with any other ones: download, share or create them. But if you open those files you are able to place the 3D object they contain into reality.

For instance, it can be used to try out how the desired sofa from an eStore will look like in your room. This allows to observe the potential product in its actual size from different angles and even consider which of the places is ideal for it in your room. Also, when placing USDZ image as content on a website, the visitors are able to watch it in the full AR view.
External apps, e.g. Adobe and Autodesk, will support the USDZ files. In fact, it was stressed out that Adobe Creative Cloud will provide means to WYSIWYG editing of VR items on iOS gadgets.