TikTok today announced a new augmented reality effect that is the first to use the LiDAR scanner on the iPhone 12 Pro models. The effect celebrates the New Year with balloons and golden AR confetti that interact with the environment thanks to the new iPhone sensor. The announcement was made through Official TikTok Twitter account.
Apple first introduced the LiDAR scanner with the iPad Pro 2020 and then added it to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. For those unfamiliar with the technology, it emits infrared light to measure the distance of objects, which allows the device to create an accurate 3D map of the scene.
Developers have access to APIs that allow integration between the LiDAR scanner and third-party applications, and TikTok is now using the new sensor to provide advanced AR effects.
The first effect using the LiDAR scanner has an AR ball similar to the one used on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. At the end of the countdown, the effect fills the room with confetti and reflective balloons “2021”. In a demonstration video shown by TikTok, you can see that the confetti is more realistic because it is positioned correctly on the sofa and on the floor.
According to TikTok, the new filter is being implemented globally, with the exception of some countries (via TechCrunch) The company also said that more effects using the LiDAR scanner will be introduced in 2021 – and of course everyone will require an iPhone or iPad model with the new sensor.
However, TikTok is not the first social networking application to adopt the LiDAR reader for this interaction. Snapchat was one of the first apps to announce support for the LiDAR scanner with special AR lenses available to iPhone 12 Pro users.
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