This week, real-time 3D (RT3D) development solutions provider Unity introduced its Meta OpenXR package, which supports Quest 3 application development with support from integrated frameworks.
Unity is debuting its Meta OpenXR package as a preview model that does not represent the final product but allows developers to get started and provide feedback.
The early access package lets developers experiment with many XR application technologies, such as passthrough, plane detection, device tracking, raycasting, and anchors. Moreover, the Quest 3-ready service provides developers with tools that harness Meta first-party services, including Simple AR and Anchors.
Unity platform developers can integrate the “experimental” Meta OpenXR package into the recent version of the RT3D engine today via the firm’s website.
Unity to Leverage Open-Platform Frameworks
The firm is leveraging pre-existing OpenXR and AR Foundation initiatives to secure its developer toolset with flexible Meta Quest 3 application creation services.
Unity integrates the OpenXR framework, a royalty-free standard which optimises XR content development by assisting with cross-platform distribution. The service achieves porting success by negating the need to rewrite code. Unity notes that a “consortium of industry leaders” operates the OpenXR framework to ensure immersive device interoperability for developers.
Additionally, Unity is employing the assistance of its AR Foundation to achieve its cross-platform vision. The service assists XR developers in distributing immersive applications across mobile and head-worn AR/VR/MR devices.
AR Foundation also incorporates features from “common” XR SDKs, including ARCore, ARKit, and OpenXR.
Unity to Provide Development Framework for Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro
The news comes as Unity gained significant traction after spearheading immersive content creation support on upcoming Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro devices.
Unity has supported XR content development for years. Many applications on the Meta Quest portfolio run on the RT3D engine. Moreover, with its most recent Quest 3 announcement, Meta supports all previous titles available on legacy headsets, including many Unity-run services.
Meta introduced the Quest 3 earlier this month, with more information to come during its Connect event in September.
On the other hand, Unity is deeply involved in supporting application development on the Apple Vision Pro. Unity allows developers to leverage its RT3D engine to create and distribute Vision Pro services.
The firm also provides a rich resource pool for developers, assisting them with creating XR services, porting pre-existing applications, and understanding Vision Pro’s inner workings.
Moreover, thanks to Apple and Unity’s developer support, the firms are assisting developers in creating hand-tracking-ready applications, including Metaverse services.
