Unlocking the World of Gaussian Splats with Niantic’s WebXR Scaniverse on Quest 3

A Closer Look at Niantic’s Scaniverse

Niantic’s Scaniverse has recently launched an innovative WebXR app that allows users to explore Gaussian splats right in the Quest 3’s browser. With this feature, users can showcase their personal creations and view an impressive array of 3D scans. This exciting development makes exploring 3D environments simpler and more engaging than ever before!

What Exactly is Scaniverse?

Scaniverse is a groundbreaking mobile application accessible on both iOS and Android devices. It enables users to quickly and seamlessly scan real-world 3D scenes. Thanks to on-device processing, capturing your surroundings or memorable moments has never been easier. Moreover, with the new Into The Scaniverse WebXR site, users can now view their scans, as well as those created by people around the world, using the Horizon OS web browser on both Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

Features That Make Scaniverse Stand Out

According to Niantic, Scaniverse proudly hosts the “world’s largest collection of splats,” a result of contributions from an enthusiastic community across more than 100 countries. Users can dive into this vast collection using an interactive 3D globe, showing the various locations of their captures.

• Seamless Access: The WebXR app provides an effortless way to view user-generated content.
• Engaging Interactivity: Use the virtual globe to discover unique captures from different locations.
• Community Focused: Become part of a global network of users sharing and exploring scans.

Understanding How Scaniverse Functions

Scaniverse is not a newcomer; it has been actively evolving for three years. Initially, it utilized standard 3D scanning approaches that required a LiDAR depth sensor, available only on iPhone Pro and iPad Pro models. However, significant changes two years prior enabled it to operate without LiDAR by leveraging advancements in computer vision depth estimation. This transformation broadened its accessibility, allowing a wider audience to capture stunning 3D representations of their environments.

The Transition to Gaussian Splatting Technology

In March of this year, Scaniverse made a game-changing upgrade by shifting from conventional 3D scanning methods to the innovative Gaussian splatting technique. This advancement improves scan quality by offering:

• Enhanced Fidelity: With Gaussian splatting, the scans feature better lighting conditions and reflections.
• Comprehensive Background Capture: Unlike older methods that focused solely on foreground objects, this technique incorporates surrounding details for a more immersive virtual reality experience.

The User Experience in the WebXR Application

During my experience with the Into The Scaniverse WebXR app, I was thoroughly impressed by the clarity and quality of scanned objects. The central objects stood out, appearing crisp and vividly detailed for a browser application. However, I did notice that the background details were not as pronounced as those found in premium VR platforms, such as Varjo Teleport or Meta’s Horizon Hyperscape Demo.

Here’s how Scaniverse measures up against other platforms:

• Pricing Comparison: Varjo Teleport has a subscription cost of $30/month, whereas Horizon Hyperscape offers only a limited demo featuring six scenes.
• Scanning Duration: In contrast to Varjo Teleport, which can take 30 minutes to 24 hours for scans, Scaniverse efficiently completes scans in just a few minutes on advanced mobile devices.

How to Access and Download Scaniverse

If you’re eager to join the Gaussian splats adventure, simply download the Scaniverse app from the App Store for Apple devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. After you capture your scans, easily access the splats on your Quest 3 or Quest 3S by visiting the dedicated website. If you’d rather use a different device, the same URL will prompt you to remotely launch Into The Scaniverse on your headset via your Meta account.

Experience the Excitement of Gaussian Splats

Niantic’s WebXR Scaniverse is breaking new ground in the fields of 3D scanning and virtual reality. With its rapidly growing community and user-friendly interface, it opens the doors for both beginners and seasoned tech enthusiasts to embrace the world of Gaussian splats. This application illustrates how technology is continuously advancing, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of 3D scanning experiences. Get ready to explore your environment like never before with Scaniverse! 🌐