During Apple’s WWDC 2018 event when iOS 12 made its official debut the company also unveiled a new file format specifically for augmented reality (AR) and ARKit, that format was USDZ. Today, 3D model library Sketchfab has announced it fully supports the format, unlocking millions of models in the process.
Available for the launch today will be 400,000 USDZ files instantly available for download across both free Creative Commons licensed models as well as royalty-free models. Creators can then use Sketchfab to convert from most 3D formats to USDZ. This will then give ARKit developers access to a massive range of 3D models for them to use within applications.
One of the biggest benefits adding USDZ support comes in the form of AR Quick Look. This feature allows iOS users viewing models on Sketchfab to quickly view them in AR. All they need to do is hit the download button on any downloadable model while logged into Sketchfab and select the USDZ option.
The platform is also working to bring the same functionality to the Sketchfab viewer in the near future.
“Our goal at Sketchfab has always been to make 3D content easily shareable and discoverable as widely as possible, and Apple’s AR platform – enabled thanks to USDZ – has become a key part of the ecosystem we play in. We are excited to offer a great new way to leverage the massive Sketchfab library,” said Alban Denoyel, Co-founder and CEO of Sketchfab in a statement.
There have been plenty of advancements in the AR field, both for consumers as well as enterprise. Companies like Dr. Seuss Enterprises have created educational apps for mobile devices while BBC Studios and Preloaded built BBC Earth – Micro Kingdoms: Senses for Magic Leap 1. For those wishing to create their own AR content, Psychic VR Lab’s STYLY platform will be adding that functionality later this year.
As further progress is made within the AR industry, VRFocus will keep you updated.