6 ways to use the camera's LiDAR feature on your iPhone

LiDAR, a feature of the iPhone's camera, has many interesting uses. Have you ever used LiDAR? If no, today let's take a look at 6 basic ways to use LiDAR that you should know.

How to use the LiDAR feature

LiDAR is one of the new camera features on iPhone, which is similar to ToF on Android. How does that work?) Because LiDAR is currently exclusive to Apple and can only be found on newer iPhone models or newer iPad models. Therefore, many users will not have the opportunity to use it officially.

For iPhone users who will be able to use the LiDAR feature, they must have the iPhone 12 Pro version or higher (and it must only be the Pro version or higher). The only thing that Apple may have missed is explaining how to use it. Apple's LiDAR technology is very limited. Many users may not yet know how to use LiDAR technology to get the most out of it.

If you are one of the people who do not know how to exploit it to your advantage. We advise you to read this article to find out how you can use it. If you're ready, let's follow up.



What is lidar?

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LiDAR is different from technologies like RADAR. LiDAR is an abbreviation for Light Detection and Ranging. In short, LiDAR involves firing an invisible laser into your environment. The LiDAR sensor then uses the information from the laser to detect information about the object's shape and its distance from you.

LiDAR is used in many different industries, including aviation, satellites, and autonomous vehicles, but LiDAR technology entered the smartphone market in 2020 with Apple's iPhone Pro and iPad, and since then, every iPhone and iPad Pro model, including… iPhone 15 Pro, has a built-in LiDAR sensor.

Unfortunately, no Android phone currently has a built-in LiDAR sensor. However, there are some Android smartphones that use the sensor. Instead, Time of Flight (ToF), which has similar functionality (ToF vs LiDAR 2, what are the differences in camera features?)


Use them to make better photography.

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iPhones have been taking good photos for years, and many people love using iPhones to take photos because they take high-resolution, detailed, and accurate photos. But one thing that smartphones generally struggle with is taking photos in low light.

Fortunately, the iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models can use LiDAR to detect how far away people or objects are. It then uses this information to make faster and more accurate autofocus adjustments. In fact, Apple claims that iPhones with LiDAR can focus up to six times faster, even in low-light conditions.

Faster autofocus on the iPhone camera means your photos will have more detail and less blur. Even if you don't have the best lighting.


Used to make accurate measurements.

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One of the simplest and most valuable ways to use the LiDAR sensor on your iPhone is to measure without a ruler.

There are some great LiDAR apps for iPhone and iPad, but one of the best is a built-in app called Measure that uses your iPhone's camera to estimate measurements.

An iPhone with LiDAR can detect highly accurate information about the size of large objects and their distance from each other, allowing the iPhone to produce more accurate measurements.

So, if you're working on a DIY home improvement project or want to know if a new sofa will fit in your entryway, LiDAR technology can be very useful. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions to use the Measure app on your iPhone to start measuring things. With your phone


Used to make immersive AR games.

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In 2016, we saw Pokémon Go take the world by storm. The game uses augmented reality technology to transport virtual Pokemon to real-world locations. Pokémon Go was many people's first experience with augmented reality (AR), but now with LiDAR, you can take Take AR gaming to the next level.

Games like RC Club use your iPhone's LiDAR sensor to scan your environment to create a space for virtual play. Unlike most augmented reality games, LiDAR allows games to create virtual worlds with incredibly lifelike detail. It does this by considering terrain, elevation, and the laws of physics. This allows virtual objects to interact with the real world on the screen.

However, we're still in the early days of LiDAR-enabled mobile gaming, and many people still feel like it's more of a tech demo than an actual game, and we're seeing more and more AR games using LiDAR in the future.

download: RC Club For iOS (Free in-app purchases available)


Use it to test your home decor.

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I believe that many may already have experience in moving houses or apartments. Which, if we go back to the old days, major home renovations require a lot of imagination, planning, and luck (which requires luck because you have to calculate how much space you are going to put things in). Make sure you reach the corners well, if you buy a cabinet with a 1-2cm error, you may not be able to put it where you want it. (This is a big problem that you definitely don't want to have to face.) Fortunately, LiDAR lets you visualize changes and explore ideas from your iPhone, without the guesswork required.

Apps like Room Planner are apps worth using because they take advantage of LiDAR to place virtual furniture and home decor models directly in your home. This way you can see exactly how new furniture will look and fit into your home before you decide to buy it.

This is because LiDAR can accurately calculate size and distance. Virtual furniture models fit your home just like real furniture, and LiDAR technology can make decorating (or redesigning) your home easier than ever.

download: Room plan For iOS (subscription required)


Used to provide scanning of 3D models.

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In the past few years some blockbuster films and AAA games have made use of 3D scanning or photogrammetry. This technology allows developers to scan real-life objects and bring them into the virtual world, but with LiDAR, you can now use the same techniques that professionals use in your own projects.

Trying to create 3D models of real-world objects manually can be a very time-consuming process, however, apps like Epic Games' RealityScan allow you to use your iPhone's camera and LiDAR sensor to stitch 3D models together instantly. You can then quickly move this model into your project.

Using the power of the LiDAR scanner on your iPhone to scan a detailed 3D model can save you hours of development time and a lot of money. So, if you're interested in game development or 3D modeling, LiDAR can dramatically improve your creativity and workflow.

download: RealityScan For iOS (Free)


Used to enable the creation of a virtual reality world.

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LiDAR excels at creating 3D models of real-world objects. But did you know that you can use LiDAR to create a virtual space? VR) everyone can

You can use LiDAR to create a virtual copy of a real location. You can create a 2D map of your room. Or even create a 3D map of the entire world. According to endless creativity

LiDAR can help you bridge the gap between the virtual world and the real world. For example, if you're selling your home or looking to rent it, you can use LiDAR to create a 3D model of your home, making it easier for potential buyers. Take a virtual tour of a virtual reality home before visiting it in real life. This is a business opportunity that you can adapt for the better.

You can also pair this technology with an AR/VR headset like the Apple Vision Pro for a more immersive experience.


source: com. howtogeek, makeuseof

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