Thanks to Apple's beta preview of
iOS 11.3 released last week, app developers are already experimenting with the
ARKit capabilities that will be available to regular users this spring. The
highlight of ARKit 1.5 is vertical surface detection. The first iteration of
ARKit was limited to horizontal surface detection, which has placed constraints
on what developers could do with regards to room scanning.
Vertical surface detection alone
will be able to make things like posters, shelves, and other wall hangings in
addition to floor-dwelling couches, chairs, and tables far more interactive.
The feature could also come in handy in arts and culture as well, allowing
patrons to see works of art beyond a museum's collection. Apple has added
detection of irregularly-shaped surfaces as well. So now developers need not be
limited by the whimsical designs of architects and furniture makers.
More information: