Snap has introduced ray-tracing technology to its AR Lens Studio for developers around the world, the company announced on Wednesday. Ray tracing is a technical capability that enables realistic renderings of light and shine on AR artifacts. Snap has partnered with Tiffany & Co to release the first lens built with ray tracing. The Lens allows users to try on Tiffany Lock bracelets using AR and purchase them directly within the app.
The company notes that it is the first to offer ray tracing capabilities on mobile at this scale. Ray-tracing technology is usually built into offline apps, such as console games, but Snap is now bringing the ultra-realistic quality to mobile.
Ray tracing simulates the behavior of light in the physical world by using an algorithm to trace the path a beam of light would take in the real world. As a result, developers can conjure virtual rays of light to bounce off digital objects and create realistic reflections. Ray tracing can improve the quality of any lens that features objects where light bounces and reflects off their surface, such as metals, stones, and glass surfaces.
“Snapchatters love using augmented reality to try on products from beloved fashion brands, making the shopping experience personal, accessible and fun,” the company said in a blog post. “Today, we are thrilled to announce Ray Tracing which is now available in Lens Studio for developers worldwide. Now lenses that feature AR diamond jewelry, clothing, and more can achieve ultra-high quality. -realistic.
Picture credits: Snap
Snap recently said that 250 million Snapchat users have engaged with its AR shopping lenses more than 5 billion times in 2022. Since creating shopping lenses is an area Snap has been working to improve its technology, it is not surprising that the company has introduced ray tracing. to its application to further enhance this experience. The new AR enhancements announced today could also give Snap a better way to compete with big social media companies.
Last year, Snap updated its Lens Web Builder that allowed groups to create shopping Lenses in minutes. Snap also announced that it will begin offering retailers access to new AR image processing technology in its 3D Asset Manager that makes it easier and faster to create AR shopping experiences.
The company recently partnered with Amazon for its Virtual Try-On shopping experience powered by augmented reality. As part of the partnership, Amazon has begun offering Snapchat users the ability to digitally try on eyewear styles from a range of popular brands. We understand the larger plan is to launch the eyewear partnership, but expand to other categories in the coming months.
