WWT 2022 Release Notes: Windows Client
The WWT 2022 edition introduces version 6.1 of the WWT Windows client application, with several important new features and improvements.
Read This First
First, some disclaimers for “production” installations of WWT, such as planetariums and kiosks:
- We are aware of an issue in which WWT will crash when used with Intel Iris Xe graphics. This appears to be a bug in their driver with no known workaround. Iris is an integrated graphics processor; if your system also has a discrete GPU, you should be able to avoid the crash by configuring it to use that GPU instead of Iris.
- In production scenarios, test the new version carefully and comprehensively before rolling it out. Do so in an isolated environment that cannot interfere with your production system. While we endeavor to keep the upgrade path as smooth as possible, this new version does change some under-the-hood aspects about the application. The core app should be as stable as ever, but it’s always possible that some of our changes will affect some piece of your particular setup.
- Be aware that the WWT team provides user support on a best-effort basis. We aspire to provide a high level of service but cannot guarantee timely technical assistance.
If you have any questions about this, contact the team at wwt@aas.org.
Installation & Getting Started
To learn more about installing and getting started with the WWT Windows client, see the Enthusiasts and Planetarians pages.
HiPS Support
In tandem with the web client, the WWT 2022 Windows application adds long-awaited support for HiPS datasets! This feature was contributed by the China-VO developer group. The new version includes a large built-in database of HiPS datasets accessible in a new top-level folder in the “Explore” ribbon. Both imagery and catalogs are supported. HiPS catalog data can be displayed to update on-the-fly as the WWT viewport moves around on the sky.
Updated Oculus Support
The new WWT Windows application supports modern Oculus VR developer kits, instead of the preview versions, providing compatibility with current headset models.
Image-Based Projector Distortion Calibration
There is early work to support calibration of dome projector distortions by processing a captured grid display from third-party software. This functionality is not yet documented, so reach out to wwt@aas.org if this capability may be of interest to you.
Exploring FITS Cubes
Some FITS cubes can now be loaded in the app such that you can scrub through the cube planes interactively.
Updated Branding and System Locations
WWT assets have been updated to align with AAS’s stewardship of the project. In particular, installation and data storage directories are now filed under “American Astronomical Society” rather than “Microsoft Research”. In particular:
- The default installation location has moved from
[ProgramFiles]\Microsoft Research\Microsoft WorldWide Telescopeto[ProgramFiles]\American Astronomical Society\AAS WorldWide Telescope. - The user data storage location has moved from
[LocalAppData]\Microsoft\WorldWideTelescopeto[LocalAppData]\American Astronomical Society\WorldWideTelescope. (Here,[LocalAppData]is usuallyC:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local.) - The location for WWT configuration registry keys has moved from
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\WorldWide TelescopetoHKCU\Software\American Astronomical Software\WorldWide Telescope.
These moves may break the usages of some tools such as the Remote Control or custom system startup scripts.
More 3D Models
Now glTF 3D models (.glb files) can be displayed.
“Universal Windows Platform” Framework
While we are still only distributing the standard WWT Windows application, the WWT 6 codebase has undergone extensive revisions to prepare it for build in the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), laying the groundwork for making WWT available on a variety of different devices.
Many More Bugfixes and Features
See the detailed WWT 2022 components list for links to developer resources such as code repositories and comprehensive changelogs.