Title: Niantic Unveils Scanniverse 4: Revolutionizing 3D Scanning with Gaussian Splatting Technique
As the world's top investment manager and financial market journalist, I am thrilled to announce the latest update from Niantic, the developer behind popular games like Pokémon GO. Niantic is set to release Scanniverse 4, a groundbreaking app that will change the way users capture objects in 3D.
With the new Gaussian Splatting technique, Scanniverse 4 will provide users with more detailed and accurate representations of places and objects. This innovative scanning method captures a multitude of data points, resulting in faster rendering and richer visuals.
Niantic's acquisition of Scanniverse in 2021 has paved the way for this major update, allowing users to place their object scans, or "splats," on a map for others to discover. This new feature will enhance the accuracy and detail of virtual experiences, giving users a more immersive and interactive way to explore new places.
For years, Niantic has been building a 3D map of the world through its games like Wayfarer and Ingress. Now, with the introduction of Scanniverse 4, users can contribute to this map by scanning objects and sharing them with the community.
The new scanning process is simple and intuitive, available initially on iOS devices. By selecting the splats option in the capture menu, users can easily capture objects from different angles and share them with others. Niantic recommends scanning an object for one to three minutes to achieve a high-quality result.
In addition to its innovative scanning technology, Niantic is committed to user privacy. The app automatically blurs faces and license plates in scans, ensuring the protection of personal information. Moving objects in frames are also averaged out of the final render for a seamless experience.
Brian McClendon, Niantic's VP of Engineering, explained that the Gaussian Splatting approach offers faster processing and more realistic renders compared to traditional rendering techniques. This new method captures intricate details like window transparency, water reflections, and tree leaves, creating a lifelike representation of scanned objects.
Looking ahead, Niantic plans to leverage this rich data to enhance experiences in its games and offer developers access to millions of Gaussian Splat-powered scans. This data will be invaluable for XR content creators and 3D photography enthusiasts, enabling them to create immersive virtual experiences.
In conclusion, Niantic's Scanniverse 4 is set to revolutionize the world of 3D scanning with its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface. By embracing this new app, users can contribute to a global 3D map, explore new places with unprecedented detail, and unlock endless possibilities for virtual experiences. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the future of scanning and digital mapping!