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Features

David Kline edited this page Feb 22, 2019 · 3 revisions

Mixed Reality Toolkit v2 Features

Versioning

With the Beta 2 release of MRTK v2, we have changed our version numbering system to use Semantic Versioning v2. With this change, it will become clear from looking at the version number whether or not you can expect breaking changes to be contained. For example, when the major version changes from 2 to 3, you can expect that there is a high likelihood of API changes that may impact your application. We will provide migration guidance in the form of documentation and will strive to maintain source compatibility where possible, using the ObsoleteAttribute to indicate the new guidance.

Modular Design

Core

Definitions

Interface, class and data types for the Mixed Reality Toolkit are defined in the core. Systems, data providers and applications use these definitions to allow for easy support of multiple platforms without the need for writing a large amount of special case and duplicate code.

Configuration Profile System

The configuration profile system enables defining data provider and system service behaviors as assets that can be swapped at design and runtime.

Mixed Reality Toolkit Scene Object

The Mixed Reality Toolkit scene object is the central hub of MRTK v2. It is responsible for loading systems and providers and managing their lifetimes. Previously, the HoloToolkit required you to add in toolkit infrastructure components to your scenes that took attention away from your primary goal - creating and delivering a delightful experience.

Combined with the profile system, the MixedRealityToolkit object adds the appropriate objects automatically at runtime using your configured settings. The scene hierarchy stays much less cluttered during development and you can focus your energies on what matters - your content.

Unity Input Data Provider

Support for joysticks, game controller, touch screens and mice is provided by the Unity Input data provider. This is a default provider in the core.

Mixed Reality Toolkit Standard Shader

The Mixed Reality Toolkit Standard Shader is a highly optimized shader that delivers beautiful results. Comparable to Unity's Standard Shader, the MRTK Standard Shader is ideally suited for mixed reality and mobile experiences and is the foundation of virtually all of the materials provided by MRTK.

Platform Data Providers

Windows Mixed Reality

Providing support for Microsoft HoloLens and Windows Mixed Reality immersive headsets, the Windows Mixed Reality provider delivers support for motion controllers, spatial mapping and other features of the Windows Mixed Reality platform.

Windows Voice

The Windows Voice provider enables using the Windows speech platform.

OpenVR

The OpenVR provider enables support for a wide variety of virtual reality hardware from many of the top hardware manufacturers.

System Services

Boundary

The Mixed Reality Toolkit's Boundary System provides a visual indication of the user's virtual reality playspace within your applications. Boundary visualizations can help users stay comfortable and oriented in their experiences by providing visual indications of the real-world space.

Diagnostics

The Mixed Reality Toolkit's Diagnostics System enables in-application performance and diagnostic analysis that is updated based on where in the experience you are looking. The diagnostics system features a customized version of the Visual Profiler.

Input

The Mixed Reality Toolkit's Input System delivers an action oriented approach that enables multiple controller types to have behaviors mapped to natural control layouts. It also provides support for enabling speech control in your applications.

Spatial Awareness

The Mixed Reality Toolkit's Spatial Awareness System enables applications to interact with surfaces in the user's world. From placing items on real-world surfaces to opening magic windows in walls, spatial awareness helps immerse users in your application.

Teleportation

The Mixed Reality Toolkit's Teleportation System enables users to comfortably move about virtual reality experiences by teleporting from place to place.

Feature Packages

Audio

Audio features include special effect scripts that can help make your experiences deeply immersive and compelling.

Solvers

Solvers provide a wide variety of behaviors that simplify application development. Surface magnetism, maintaining constant object side, etc. are examples of commonly used solvers.

User Experience Controls

User interaction is an important part of many experiences. MRTK provides attractive, easy to use components to enable user interaction.

Standard Assets

Standard Assets are a collection of materials, textures, fonts, sounds, models and other resources that are ready to be used in any application.

See Also

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