While checking the code of the TV app for the Apple Vision Pro, Apple leaker Steve Moser stumbled upon an unusual discovery. He came across a mention of “Play 3D”, which led to discussions of a possible 3D content offering from Apple. There is a curiosity among people regarding the 3D upgrade for their media. Apple has a good history of awesome upgrades. Like when they upgraded iTunes to 4K.
In visionOS 1.0 Beta 2 the TV app contains: "Play 3D". I wonder if Apple will upgrade user's libraries to 3D like when they upgraded iTunes libraries to 4K. (image is a render) pic.twitter.com/R9O53qrbRr
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) July 31, 2023
During the Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple showcased the Vision Pro. That’s a cutting-edge spatial computing system that offers immersive cinematic and 3D experiences. The Vision Pro aims to offer personalized cinema experiences in any room. Users can adjust the size of movies, TV shows, and games while enjoying full immersion with Spatial Audio. This cutting-edge technology allows users to enjoy spectacular material wherever they are, whether they’re on a long journey or relaxing on the sofa at home, by giving each eye more pixels than a 4K TV.
The Cinema Environment, another feature of Vision Pro, allows viewers to watch programs and films at the frame rate and aspect ratio intended by the director, along with immersive spatial audio. Users can also select magnificent settings such as Mt. Hood to recreate a stunning 100-foot-wide screen experience. In addition, the Vision Pro supports Apple Immersive Videos, 180-degree 3D 8K recordings with spatial audio that immerse viewers in action and transport them to never-before-seen places.
Special attention to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
A long-awaited application of the Vision Pro’s spatial video format is the upcoming series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”. Recorded using the VR/AR headset, this presentation of Godzilla and other famous monsters promises to be a novel experience for viewers. The series will be the first to use Apple’s Spatial Video format, improving the scary world’s depth and realism.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters coming to Apple Vision Pro.
Gizchina News of the week
Based on conversations this week with people familiar with its production, I can confirm that the upcoming @Monsterverse series has been shooting in Apple’s Spatial Video format, unveiled earlier this week during Apple’s… pic.twitter.com/xfP18rvgSz
— Sigmund Judge (@sigjudge) June 11, 2023
The Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” series explores what happens after Godzilla and the Titans engage in a bloody battle. The latter leads to the discovery of real monsters. The story follows a family as they discover long-buried truths that link them to the covert Monarch organization. This TV series is part of Legendary’s Monsterverse. It’s a vast fictional universe that explores humanity’s struggle to live in a world overrun by mythical creatures brought to life.
Vision Pro is going 3D
Apple aims to provide a seamless viewing experience for spatial content. It satisfies both 2D and 3D preferences using a single video file. Apple does this by encoding both frames of the 3D version into a single frame. Then, it is split between the two ‘eyes’ of the headset to create the desired effect. When viewing video in 2D mode, only the frames from one eye are displayed, replicating a traditional 2D plane. However, when the second set of frames is activated in the opposite eye of the headset, the content turns into 3D.
The Vision Pro will be available in early 2024 at a starting price of $3,499. While it promises a remarkable media experience, it will go on sale in limited quantities, making it a highly desirable product for fans and early adopters. Thanks to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation, the Vision Pro is poised to change how we interact with entertainment and perhaps change the way how 3D content is consumed.
We still can’t insist that the Vision Pro will revive 3D. Also, the future of 3D movies still causes doubts. The decline of 3D TVs suggests that audience enthusiasm has waned. This is true even though 3D offers a distinctive way to watch movies.
The bottom line
Virtual and augmented reality headsets may offer a more personalized viewing experience, which could help 3D regain popularity. However, the comfort of the headset will be crucial. According to reports, the Vision Pro can be quite heavy, and its comfort when watching a long film is still an issue. Only time will tell if the Vision Pro can revive 3D cinema or if other reasons will decide its fate.
