Jul 7, 2017

Google has unveiled its new 3D-modelling tool, named 'Blocks', to simplify the process to create compelling virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.

The new tool is free and available now for HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift headsets. It works by allowing anyone without any prior modelling experience to create beautiful models on a virtual 3D canvass.

"Today, it takes complex software and a specific skillset to create compelling VR and AR experiences. That software also requires building 3D objects on a 2D screen—something our brains aren’t wired to do. It occurred to us that creating the objects while in virtual reality could make this easier. So we developed Blocks, a VR app for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift that lets you easily create beautiful, 3D objects in no time," said Jason Toff, Group Product Manager at Google, in a blog post on Thursday.

"Blocks is designed to feel more like playing with children’s blocks than working with traditional 3D modeling software," Google explains. "Starting with a simple set of shapes, a color palette, and an intuitive set of tools, you’re able to naturally and quickly create almost anything you can imagine, from a piece of watermelon to a whole forest scene."

When your creation is ready, you can export it as an OBJ to use in AR or VR apps you're developing or generate an animated gif.

The app is available for free on the Oculus Store and on the Steam platform.

Check out Google’s teaser for the app below:

Posted in 3D Software

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Tom_McBaum wrote at 7/8/2017 1:20:08 AM:He actually called them beautiful 3D objects! In 1996, maybe.



