Multiple 3D movies have reportedly appeared in the Apple TV app, apparently in preparation for the launch of the Vision Pro headset next year.
The updated support was discovered by technical news site FlatpanelsHD after going through the recently released beta version of tvOS 17.2. Apparently there was more to the patch than the introduction of one redesigned user interface for Apple TV. According to the report, the 3D movies found on the platform include but are not limited to: Jurassic World Dominion, Pacific Rim Uprising, And Shrek. The full list can be found on FlatpanelsHD, which consists mainly of action films. Each title has a 3D-compatible icon on the respective detail page to notify you of its support.
It’s important to note that each title has had a 3D theatrical release in the past. There are no original 3D films or series at the time of writing. This leads us to believe that Apple may have created a new file format for the Vision Pro. Studio developers could have converted the movies to that format so they could be played on the headset. However, we don’t know for sure. This is just speculation on our end.
Compelling and comfortable
Obviously, there’s no way to actually watch these movies as intended, as the Vision Pro isn’t out yet and we also don’t know “what resolution and frame rate these 3D movies (will) play in.” Each eye on the headset can output 4K resolution, so that’s a possibility. Older titles, such as Shrekwill most likely need to be remastered to a higher quality.
While the resolution remains unknown, we have an idea of what the experience will be like. Apple has a video on its website that teaches developers how to prepare content for visionOS. The 16-minute lesson is quite complex, but most importantly, Apple ensures that viewing content on the Vision Pro results in an immersive and comfortable experience.
The headset uses stereoscopic 3D, a technique in which the device creatively uses flat images to create the illusion of depth. One eye sees one image, while the other eye sees a “slightly different perspective”. Superimpose the two and you get a 3D view.
It is similar to how our own eyes perceive the world around us, as each eye sees objects in a slightly different way. This difference is called parallax and it is something the tech giant is aiming for. Rendered elements in a 3D video without parallax may “cause viewing discomfort.”
Bringing back an old idea
It will be interesting to see what else comes from this support. As FlatpanelsHD points out, Apple could conversely revive 3D movies as the new hardware makes this format possible. Maybe 3D TVs are making a comeback.
They have apparently gone the way of the dodo. However, there are a few companies that are keen to revive the old idea, such as Magnetic3D. Now we just need the content, which could be led by the upcoming Godzilla series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters as the latest rumors are to be believed.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s latest roundup of the best VR headset deals for November 2023.