Get the inside scoop on game-changing innovations in augmented reality with the new VisionPro
Performance Production Professor Michael F. Bergmann had the opportunity to attend the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where he and developers from around the world got together to learn about Apple’s new virtual reality product VisionPro. Bergmann’s research and practice examines the intersection of creative applications and technology, making the WWDC the ideal place to learn about how the two can work together to make strides in the industry.
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in California
“This was an incredible experience. Being in the same space as everyone and hearing about the announcement together was a unique experience,” Bergmann said. “We were given a dedicated session on developing for the new platform at the Apple Developer Centre, which was an informative overview of the new technology stack, and the process of migrating existing applications to the platform, as well as the new tools that they are offering to build from scratch.”
Creative makers in technology
As someone who watches the integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) into the creative industries quite closely, Bergmann says he’s interested to see how the VisionPro can provide unique learning experiences to students and industry professionals alike.
“I think it is the space of the creative makers to play a part in how this develops. We must experiment and develop for the platform using ways and ideas that are innovative, and drive the future direction,“ they said. “Apple is presenting the VisionPro mostly as a content consumption device at the moment, but I think we can craft some incredible creative experiences that truly would not have been possible without a platform like this. I'm especially excited to be able to involve our students in this process and mix expertise from across The Creative School to fashion neoteric experiences.”
Professor Michael F. Bergmann at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in California
Learning AR and VR can entail a learning curve, but Bergmann says this device aims to provide a more seamless immersive experience than existing technologies.
“While we have had VR/AR/XR for a long time, and the creative applications for it have been wonderful, Apple's entry into the space brings with it their ecosystem and design focus,” they said. “From what I could see, the seamless control of moving from AR to VR by the user, and the use of gestures rather than controllers will open these experiences to many more people who have been intimidated by existing VR technology.”
Bergmann also notes that he’s interested in bringing new technological advancements into his work at The Creative School and allowing students to have exposure to new innovations early on in their careers.
“For one, I'm looking forward to reopening development on TheatAR (opens in new window) and Augmented Symphony (external link, opens in new window) (developed at TMU) and bringing them to VisionPro.”
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.
