In a bid to help VR developers produce high-performance applications for virtual reality gaming, well-known GPU manufacturer Nvidia is launching version 1.0 of its GameWorks VR and DesignWorks VR software development kits.
Nvidia says that these SDKs can help in dealing with the problems developers encounter when creating VR applications.
"[D]elivering VR is a complex challenge, especially since immersive VR requires seven times the graphics processing power compared to traditional 3D apps and games," notes Nvidia.
When these two SDKs are used along with Nvidia's Quadro and GeForce GPUs, these SDKs will provide VR developers the essential tools in generating exceptional experiences in virtual reality by lessening latency, speeding up 360-degree video broadcasts, boosting performance and improving compatibility with hardware.
It is likewise worth noting that these SDKs provide support for Windows 10.
GameWorks VR
Geared towards game and app developers, this SDK comes packed with VR SLI (Scalable Link Interface), a feature that works to provide an elevated performance for applications. This feature makes stereo rendering significantly faster by assigning several GPUs to a specific eye.
It also brings in another necessary feature, named Context Priority, aimed at VR headset developers. This specific functionality works well for controlling GPU scheduling. This plays important role in trimming down latency and adjusting images instantly based on a gamer's head movements.
It likewise boasts a feature called Direct Mode, through which a VR headset is treated as a head-mounted display that can only be accessed through VR apps. By not treating headsets as typical monitors, the feature is able to provide greater compatibility for VR headsets as well as plug-and-play support.
Nvidia disclosed that the SDK has already been built into top game engines. During the VRX 2015 conference, Nvidia announced its partnership with Epic Games to put its GameWorks VR technology into Epic's Unreal Engine 4.
DesignWorks VR
The DesignWorks VR is targeted at developers working on professional VR apps for a variety of industries, including entertainment, media, gas and oil, medical imaging and manufacturing. This SDK includes tools such as Blend and Warp, which are APIs used to provide intensity adjustments and geometry corrections. These tools are significant in producing flawless VR CAVE environments, even without introducing latency.
A tool used in avoiding tearing and image misalignment, which is known as Synchronization, is also equipped in the SDK. Moreover, this SDK features GPU Affinity, which is responsible for remarkable performance enhancements, and Direct for Video, a functionality enabling virtual and augmented reality environments.
