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Graphics: Asynchronous GPU readback API

Discussion in '2018.2 Beta' started by pavelkouril, May 4, 2018.

  1. pavelkouril

    pavelkouril

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2016
    Posts:
    129
    Hello,

    I saw that the 2018.2 changelog includes a "Graphics: Asynchronous GPU readback API" line, but no specification of supported platforms.

    I know that previously only DX11/DX12 was supported; which platforms are supported in 2018.2, since the changelog doesn't specify the platforms? Or are all supported now, including Android and iOS?
     
  2. LeonhardP

    LeonhardP

    Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2016
    Posts:
    3,132
    Hi,
    All platforms except Metal and OpenGL are supported. Metal support is currently being worked on and is aimed to be included within the 2018.2 beta cycle. There are currently no plans to add support for OpenGL.

    There's also a graphics caps to query whether the feature is supported on the platform: SystemInfo.supportsAsyncGPUReadback
     
  3. gwiasdeczka2

    gwiasdeczka2

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Posts:
    4
    Is it not possible to support OpenGL ES? or you don't have time? The beauty of Unity was always transparency. I didnt have to care about whether something is supported or not. By checking SystemInfo flags I am forced to do 2 implementations and test both. If I cannot use async gpu on opengl es that means I will have to implement a different solution which means I do not need that feature at all. Please consider adding support for all platforms.
     
    Menion-Leah, Arkade and JesOb like this.
  4. Vander-Does

    Vander-Does

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2015
    Posts:
    19
    @LeonhardP any update on iOS support? It doesn't look like its in 2018.2 beta yet.
     
  5. Andrius-Keidonas

    Andrius-Keidonas

    Grand Inquisitor Unity Technologies

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2012
    Posts:
    8
    Hi there, I'm responsible for metal api implementation of Async Readback.
    It's fully complete, but it's still in the pipes to reach mainstream branches of Unity, so hold on - it's coming soon.
     
    Vander-Does and elbows like this.
  6. AcidArrow

    AcidArrow

    Joined:
    May 20, 2010
    Posts:
    11,631
    Can someone give me a use case for Asynchronous GPU readback? From my understanding it's like a lazy .GetPixels, which does not stall the CPU but may be a few frames late in delivering, right?
     
  7. hippocoder

    hippocoder

    Digital Ape

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2010
    Posts:
    29,723
    You could read ocean heights, terrain heights, you could do more work on gpu without a penalty.