Apple debuted its LiDAR Scanner depth-sensing system when it launched a refreshed iPad Pro early in 2020. The technology was designed to let a device measure the distance to objects and aid in augmented reality capabilities.
Today, Apple announced a new feature in Clips powered by LiDAR Scanner. The video creation app has received a new update that bumps up its version number to 3.1, introducing the AR Spaces feature meant to record and share videos with augmented reality effects.
The new feature is available on the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and the iPad Pro (4th and 5th generations). AR Spaces in Clips 3.1 allows you to scan a room, for example, and preview the effects. It should be noted that the feature works only with the rear camera.
There are seven new effects including Prism, Confetti, Disco, Dance Floor, Sparkles, Stardust, and Hearts. Clips uses segmentation and occlusion capabilities to detect people in a clip and cast them in front of or behind the visual effects.
In addition, you can add AR Spaces to animated stickers, text labels, and emoji overlays. The feature also supports various aspect ratios including 9:16, 16:9, and square.
Apple is also rolling out monthly content updates to Clips, including new filters, Live Titles, text, stickers, and posters that reflect "seasonal events and cultural trends." Finally, you can turn on notifications to receive alerts when new content goes live.
