- By Vikas Yadav
- Sat, 08 Apr 2023 10:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
THE CHROME team announced the coming of WebGPU to Chrome 113 in a blog post on Thursday. It will allow better performance of web apps via the graphics card on the computer. Currently, the API is undergoing Beta trials. It is finally available after six years of work in progress.
The new web graphics API packs benefit such as lessening JavaScript workload for equal amounts of graphics and 3x improvement in "machine learning model inferences."
This was made possible because of "flexible GPU programming and access to advanced capabilities that WebGL" lacks. Initially, it will be available on ChromeOS, macOS and Windows. Other platforms like Firefox and Safari will make it to the list soon. Plus, Linux and Android will also witness support soon.
WebGPU allows access to a highly advanced Graphics Processing Unit that provides hardware capabilities and computation operations on the web. This is similar to Direct3D 12, Metal and Vulkan.
The Application Programming Interface is designed to deliver more "advanced graphics features." A developer can send in feedback for requested features. WebGPU is an outcome of the combined efforts of W3C's "GPU for the Web" Community Group and contributions from tech giants like Mozilla, Intel, Apple and Microsoft.
"This initial release of WebGPU is available in Chrome 113 on ChromeOS devices with Vulkan support, Windows devices with Direct3D 12 support, and macOS. Linux, Android, and expanded support for existing platforms will come soon," the developer blog highlights. Further, WebGPU Explainer highlights that the enhancement can be used by web platforms like Google Meet to "make it faster and power-efficient."
TechRadar tested out the games found in the Babylon.js library. It reported Temple Run 2 had no major improvements apart from "being slightly faster." With Shell Shockers, a multiplayer game, the difference was noticeable. It reported quick loading and smooth FPS in the game.
Speaking of other updates, the Mountain View-headquartered giant is working to bring its AI chatbot capabilities to search to lock horns with AI-powered Bing.