Apple introduced several new features and improvements to Quick Look in visionOS 2.0 during WWDC 2024. These updates are designed to enhance how users interact with 3D content on the Apple Vision Pro, making the process of previewing and manipulating 3D objects more intuitive and versatile.
Key New Features in Quick Look for visionOS 2.0
1. Enhanced 3D PreviewsQuick Look in visionOS allows users to preview large renderings of 3D objects within apps. With version 2.0, users can now enjoy these previews with even greater resolution and detail, making it easier to examine complex designs and models.
2. Two Modes of Previewing: In-App Style and WindowedIn-App Style: This mode enables users to view and interact with 3D objects directly within the context of the app without launching a separate interface. This seamless integration allows for quick, on-the-spot previews and manipulation of objects, making it easier to get instant feedback on changes or configurations.
Windowed Mode: This mode presents 3D objects in a dedicated overlay window, allowing users to cycle through multiple objects quickly. This is particularly useful when you need to preview several items in one session, as it eliminates the need to repeatedly exit and enter preview modes.
3. PreviewApplication APIThe new PreviewApplication API makes it simpler for developers to integrate Quick Look into their visionOS apps. Utilizing SwiftUI and concurrency, this API allows developers to create Quick Look previews with minimal code.
Implementation: Developers can create a View subclass in Swift, import the QuickLook framework, and use the .onTapGesture method to trigger previews. By passing URLs to the PreviewItem and using the PreviewApplication.open method, developers can create a responsive and user-friendly preview experience.
Multiple Previews: The API also supports group previews using a Collection View, allowing users to view multiple 3D objects simultaneously.
4. ConfigurationsQuick Look in visionOS 2.0 introduces Configurations, which allow developers to offer users various options for customizing 3D objects. These configurations can include different sizes, colors, transparency levels, and textures. By providing these options, developers can enhance the user experience by allowing more tailored interactions with 3D content.
5. Additional API EnhancementsThe update also includes new Quick Look preview session events, giving developers more control and feedback during the preview process. These enhancements allow for a more dynamic and responsive user experience, ensuring that previews are not only high-quality but also functional and interactive.
How to Get Started
Apple has provided a range of resources to help developers make the most of these new features. The session "What's New in Quick Look for visionOS" from WWDC 2024 offers an in-depth look at all the changes and how to implement them. Additionally, the Quick Look documentation and the "Previewing a Model with AR Quick Look" guide provide further guidance.
For those looking to see the possibilities of high-resolution 3D previews, Apple also offers a Quick Look 3D model overview gallery, showcasing what can be achieved on the Apple Vision Pro with the latest Quick Look features.
Conclusion
With these updates, Quick Look in visionOS 2.0 significantly enhances the way users interact with 3D objects on the Apple Vision Pro. Whether it's through the seamless in-app previews, the new Configurations options, or the powerful PreviewApplication API, developers now have more tools than ever to create immersive and engaging 3D experiences.