| TL;DR |
|
| What has occurred? | Niantic has rolled out enhancements to its Scaniverse platform including a Meta Quest beta, Android access, and support for multiple languages. |
| How does Scaniverse function? |
Users contribute 3D scans, enriching Niantic’s worldwide map that fosters interactive AR experiences on various devices. |
| Why is this significant? | The updates broaden access to AR mapping resources, providing advantages for creators and users around the world through fresh prospects for engaging applications. |
| Who benefits? | Creators, developers, and Meta Quest users utilizing Niantic’s Scaniverse to craft and engage with vibrant AR spaces. |
December 10, 2024 – Niantic, a leader in augmented reality (AR) solutions and the developer of the AR mobile game Pokémon GO, has officially announced the next phase in the advancement of its ‘Scaniverse’ platform, including three updates designed to enhance accessibility and enjoyment for users.
The updates feature:
- The launch of a beta web app for Meta Quest that allows users to explore 3D photos globally;
- The Scaniverse map is now accessible on Android; and
- Support for Japanese and German languages has been added to the Scaniverse iOS app.
As stated by the company, the essential phase of creating a playable environment involves collecting 3D visuals. Since it launched its global map for Scaniverse on iOS in August, Niantic reported that thousands of users in over 100 countries have scanned and shared public locations of interest, ranging from Stonehenge to street art. These visuals are expected to gain even more significance as both the company and global developers craft experiences that utilize them.
By uploading their scans to the Scaniverse map, users are actively aiding the development of Niantic’s Lightship Visual Positioning System (VPS) and contributing to the establishment of Niantic’s 3D map of the planet. Niantic mentioned that the Scaniverse community has already amassed “the world’s largest collection of 3D Gaussian splats.” These “splats,” as they are sometimes called, are fundamental to the technology powering the company’s photorealistic, playable 3D depiction of the world.
Into the Scaniverse beta web app for Meta Quest
‘Into the Scaniverse’ is an engaging WebXR application for viewing 3D Gaussian splats, fully developed within Niantic Studio and tailored for Meta Quest, now available in beta. For the first time, Meta Quest users can view user-generated splats from the Scaniverse map directly on their devices.
Niantic reports that the process of scanning a site on iOS, processing it, uploading, and viewing it in Meta Quest can be completed in under five minutes.
Into the Scaniverse is also rendered on-device, meaning that as a user changes their position, the experience reacts instantly. Unlike a standard 360° photograph, scans offer more than just a panoramic view; users can tilt their heads and shift their bodies to experience locations fully. Moreover, the ‘Into the Scaniverse’ beta app is available at no cost.
Powered by Niantic Studio, the free visual editor and web gaming engine for creating WebXR experiences, the Into the Scaniverse beta web app is accessible through browsers on Quest devices, with Niantic anticipating a dedicated Meta Quest app will be available shortly. To experience the app, visit intothescaniverse.com.
Niantic also asserted that to ensure optimal performance for the web app, it implemented various splat optimization strategies. Visual clarity is improved for closer and smaller elements, whereas backgrounds are rendered with less detail compared to what might be visible on a phone or through a browser. The company added that this initial version of the app is being released to gather user feedback while they finalize optimizations for the official launch of a native Meta Quest App.
Scaniverse Map on Android
The Scaniverse map is now accessible on Android, and with Scaniverse 4.0, Android users now enjoy the same global map of splats available to iOS, complete with features for posting, exploring, and searching. The Discover Feed is also available for Android users. Niantic initially launched the Android app in May, and today’s announcement represents progress towards feature equivalence with the iOS app.
Japanese and German on iOS
Niantic highlighted that a significant portion of the contributions to the Scaniverse map are from countries where English is not the primary language. Consequently, the company has focused on translating the app, starting with Japanese and German. Currently, these new language options are limited to iOS, but Niantic assures that additional languages are forthcoming.
For additional information regarding Niantic’s Scaniverse platform, please visit the company’s website.
