Cyclops v3.3 - Public Beta
We are thrilled to be releasing Cyclops 3.3 as a Public Beta. This allows you to download and test out Cyclops on your own. See firsthand all the incredible features and tools that Cyclops has to offer.
We’ve designed Cyclops to be a quick and easy tool that crew in all departments can use anywhere. Please follow the information here to get the Public Beta, how to download demo content to Cyclops, and how to get up and running with Cyclops in no time.
Device Requirements & Recommendations
Cyclops can run on any iOS device from 2019 onwards. Cyclops is a professional app and will perform better on newer devices. For the best experience we recommend an iPad Pro.
Requirements:
iPad or iPhone from 2019 onwards.
iOS 14-16 or iPadOS 14-16
Recommendations:
iOS Hardware:
We recommend iPhone Pro & iPad Pros for Cyclops. The Pro models feature a LiDAR sensor which allows for Cyclops to create holdout geometry on-the-fly. It also offers superior tracking and ground detection. Additionally, the Pros have more RAM memory which is very important for being able to open large scenes in Cyclops. If you are just placing assets with Cyclops then a non-Pro device should be sufficient, however, we recommend devices with an A12 or better processor.
iPhone vs iPad
We designed Cyclops with the screensize of the iPad in mind. Cyclops works on an iPhone, but does feel a little crampped. We recommend that if you are planning to use Cyclops in a production situation, on location, or on-set, you’ll have a better experience with an iPad.
Cellular/Mobile
Cyclops uses GPS to help with alignment. Unfortunately, iPads that are not capable of cellular/mobile are missing the GPS chip. We recommend using a cellular/mobile capable iPad. Thankfully, you don’t actually need to have a sim-card in the iPad for it to be able to use the GPS. As long your iPad has the cellular/mobile feature the GPS will work properly. This is not a concern on an iPhone as they all have the GPS chip.
Active Data Connection
For the most part, you can use Cyclops without an active data connection to the internet. However, there are a few things that require internet access:
- Downloading new content to Cyclops. Once the content is downloaded and stored on your device, you do not need to be connected.
- The World Anchoring System requires the internet to load and save World Anchors.
- Help menu buttons open internet pages to retrieve the help content.
Device Settings
Requirements
- Settings > Privacy > Location Services: On (if this is not turned on, Cyclops will crash)
Recommendations
- Settings > Display & Brightness > True Tone: Off
- Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock: Off or as long as you can make it.
- Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text > Auto-Brightness: Off
Public Beta Download
Getting the Cyclops Public Demo is just 4 simple steps.
In order to get the Public Beta of Cyclops, you must first download the Apple TestFlight App from the App Store. TestFlight is an app from Apple for developers to use to distribute apps for testing. Click the link below on your device to go to the App Store. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/testflight/id899247664?mt=8
Click on the Public Beta link below from your iOS device or you can scan the QR to the left from your iOS device. The link should open TestFlight and you should see Cyclops in there.
https://testflight.apple.com/join/CFPm7l4w
3) Click Install
Click on INSTALL button below the Cyclops app in TestFlight. Cyclops should now start downloading and will show up on your Home Screen next to your other apps.
4) Click the Cyclops Icon
Now just tap the Cyclops icon on your Home Screen to launch Cyclops.
Getting Started
We’ve tried to make Cyclops as easy to use as possible. Here are a few steps to get you up and using it as fast as possible. You can start with our Asset Mode Quick Start video or use the manual instructions below.
Asset Mode Quick Start Video
This video will get you up and running in Cyclops in less than 2 minutes. Get a quick overview of Asset mode. See how to place assets in the world and move them around, and more.
Manual Getting Started Instructions
1) Choose Asset Mode
The first screen you come to will ask you to choose a Mode for Cyclops. The different mode is Cyclops are configured around different use-cases. As you are just starting out you should choose Asset Mode. You can learn more about the different modes in theTutorials.
Scan the ground
Cyclops will ask you to move or pan the device around while looking at the ground so that it can calibrate to the environment. Walking forward or to the left or right will help it calibrate. As Cyclops calibrates you should see a green grid on the ground. Once Cyclops has calibrated the message will disappear and then Cyclops is ready to use.
Select an Asset to Place
Now let’s place an asset in the world. Open the left side tool drawer. You should see the asset tools. Use the pulldown menu at the top to select the asset you wish to add to the scene.
The Place Asset Tool
After you have selected the asset you wish to add you then need to use the Place Asset tool to place the asset in the world. Select the tool and then tap anywhere on the green ground plane to place the asset.
Drag the Asset Around
Now that you have placed an asset you can use the Drag Tool to drag the asset around the world with your finger. Select the Drag tool and then touch the asset on the screen and drag the asset around the screen.
There are a lot more asset tools in Cyclops. Check out the video tutorials below to learn about them all.
Video Tutorials
We’ve created a series of over 12 tutorials to help you learn all that Cyclops can do. We heavily recommend taking the time to go through them all. There are some complex concepts in Cyclops that are important to understand to get the most out of the app.
Demo Models and Shots
There is not much you can do with Cyclops without some demo models and shots. We’ve designed multiple methods to deliver content to Cyclops. For demo content, the easiest is to download the Cyclops content files, called DLCs, to your device and then use the iOS Files app to transfer the DLCs into the Cyclops app. Please refer to the downloading instructions and then you can visit the links below to download demo assets.
Bluescreens – has a selection of blue screens of different sizes.
Cranes – A Scorpio 45′ and a Technodolly 15′ crane. Move cranes coming soon.
LEDs- has a collection of LED walls of different sizes
Platforms – has a collection of 8×8 rostrums at different heights
FoleyDemo – Our demo scene for our Foley St office in London.
KingArthur – A series of env of a Throne Room for a fictional King Arthur project. Good for looking at VCam
PTHDemo – Our demo scene for in-person demos at Pinewood Studios.
tutorials- These are the scenes that are used in the Cyclops Tutorials
Note: We only use this method for demo content. Client show content is distributed through our secure content delivery system.
Recommended Accessories
One of Cyclop’s main features is that all you need to use it is an iOS device. This means you can use it whenever and where ever you are. However, if you plan to use Cyclops all day while on-set, then it is beneficial to have a few accessories.
Battery
Cyclops is power-hungry and can drain the internal iPad battery in less than 2 hours if running continuously. We recommend having 1-2 USB batteries on hand to avoid issues. We recommend batteries that can do at least 18W and deliver at least 5V/3A or 9V/2A in at least 20000mAh capacity.
Case
We recommend using a rugged rubber drop-proof case with a shoulder strap like these from Amazon. We sometimes use the hand strap to hold a USB battery.
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NVQDPB5/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_KGD3VSQB445D18DXYFD9
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LKKCZ4T/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_DAZRCQF9TF3D34WK8992
These are examples only, please check that any case is compatible with your device before ordering.
Cage
Some folks have found that having the iPad in a professional camera-type “cage” case with handles makes sit easier to handle while on-set. We recommend this one from SmallRig
https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-ipad-tablet-cage-md2979.html
Note: Handles are sold separately and you can also get a battery holder for it.
Screen Protector
If you will be using the iPad outdoors we recommend you get an Anti-glare filter/screen protector for your iPad. This will help eliminate glare on the screen.
- Razer Kishi
- Gamevice
- Xbox
- Nintendo Joy-Cons (iOS/iPadOS 16 only)
Want to Know More or Need a License
Want to know more about how Cyclops can be a valuable tool for visualizing VFX assets and set-top-ups? Have more questions about how to use Cyclops. Want to schedule a demo? Want to know pricing information? Ready to use Cyclops on your next project. Have some feedback to make Cyclops better. Then please get in touch with us:
End User License Agreement
This Beta version of Cyclops is provided for testing purposes only. You are allowed to try it out and send us feedback. You are not allowed to use this Beta version professionally on a real show other than as a limited test. This Beta is for a limited time. We reserve the right to deactivate this Beta version at any time. When we deactivate the Beta the app will immediately cease to function on your device.
If you would like to use Cyclops professionally or would like a longer-term demo period, please get in touch with us via the form above to get a proper license.