Apple has announced the launch of a new External Graphics Development Kit, and macOS High Sierra brings support for external graphics to the Mac. This marks a significant advancement for Mac users, particularly those involved in graphics-intensive tasks such as virtual reality (VR) content creation, 3D rendering, and gaming.
The new External Graphics Development Kit comes with an AMD Radeon RX 850 8GB graphics card and it will retail for $599. This kit is designed to provide developers with the tools they need to optimize their applications for external graphics processors (eGPUs), thereby enhancing performance and enabling more complex and demanding graphical tasks.
Enhanced Graphics Performance
macOS High Sierra brings support for external graphics processors to the Mac for the first time. The External Graphics Development Kit enables you to develop and test demanding graphics-intensive apps, including VR content creation, on any Mac with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. This is a game-changer for developers who need to push the limits of their applications without being constrained by the internal graphics capabilities of their Mac.
Apps that use Metal, OpenCL, and OpenGL can now take advantage of the increased performance that external graphics processors can bring. Metal, Apple’s graphics API, is designed to provide near-direct access to the GPU, allowing for more efficient rendering and computation. By leveraging the power of an external GPU, developers can achieve higher frame rates, better visual effects, and more complex simulations.
The External Graphics Development Kit includes everything you need to start optimizing advanced VR and 3D apps on external graphics processors with macOS High Sierra. This includes the AMD Radeon RX 850 8GB graphics card, a Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box, and all necessary cables and adapters. The kit also comes with a USB-C hub to connect additional peripherals, making it a comprehensive solution for developers.
Real-World Applications and Benefits
The introduction of external graphics support in macOS High Sierra opens up a world of possibilities for both developers and end-users. For instance, VR developers can now create more immersive and detailed virtual environments without being limited by the internal GPU of their Mac. This is particularly important as VR technology continues to evolve and demand more from hardware.
Similarly, 3D artists and animators can benefit from the increased rendering power provided by an external GPU. Tasks that once took hours to render can now be completed in a fraction of the time, allowing for more iterations and refinements. This can lead to higher-quality final products and a more efficient workflow.
Gamers, too, stand to gain from this development. While Macs have traditionally lagged behind PCs in terms of gaming performance, the ability to connect an external GPU can significantly narrow this gap. Games that require high-end graphics can now run more smoothly and with better visual fidelity, providing a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Moreover, the External Graphics Development Kit is not just for professionals. Enthusiasts and hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with graphics and VR can also take advantage of this technology. Whether you’re developing a new VR game, creating a 3D model, or simply looking to boost your Mac’s graphics performance, this kit offers a versatile and powerful solution.
You can find out more details about the new External Graphics Development Kit over at Apple at the link below.
Source Apple
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