Foveated Rendering

What is Foveated Rendering?

Foveated rendering is a technique used in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to optimize the use of computing resources and improve performance.

It works by selectively rendering only the portion of the image that the user is currently looking at with high detail, while reducing the detail in the periphery. This is accomplished by using eye-tracking technology to determine the user's point of gaze, and then applying different levels of detail to different areas of the image based on their distance from the point of gaze. The area directly in front of the user's gaze is rendered at the highest level of detail, while the areas in the periphery are rendered at lower levels of detail, saving processing power and improving performance. Foveated rendering can significantly reduce the computational demands of VR and AR applications, making it possible to achieve higher frame rates and better overall performance on a wider range of hardware. This can result in a more immersive and comfortable experience for the user, with less lag and motion sickness. Foveated rendering is still a relatively new technology, and there are challenges to be overcome in terms of hardware compatibility, software optimization, and standardization. However, it has the potential to greatly improve the performance and usability of VR and AR applications in the future.