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Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

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Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#31

Disappoints me that major creative tools for VR are mostly being pushed out by the likes of Google and FB who are extremely likely to drop the projects within the next 2 years as their objectives shift because they're not creative tools companies. Would be much happier if some indie devs took up this space.

There are plenty of creative tools made by indie developers, including 3D modeling and sculpting tools. Most of Google's creative tools are aquihires (Tiltbrush, Soundstage) although Blocks appears to be internally developed. Some cool ones I can think of off the top of my head include SculptVR, Kodo, VRTX, Bound, Tvori and King Spray.

Thanks for the list will definitely check them out.

Think my main worry is the existence of the big players making things like this on a whim or acquiring things like this on a whim then dumping them (Let's be real here no way will google still by supporting tilt brush in 5 years) puts more indie devs off exploring this space.

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#32

Disappoints me that major creative tools for VR are mostly being pushed out by the likes of Google and FB who are extremely likely to drop the projects within the next 2 years as their objectives shift because they're not creative tools companies. Would be much happier if some indie devs took up this space.

Unfortunately indie creative tools are not a great business (with only a handful of exceptions that have found a sweet spot, like Sketch).

If you want a tool that will be around in two years, Oculus and Google are still a better bet. I wish the market for creative tools were better, but I don't see the prospects for small developers getting any better in this space.

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#33
Why does VR on the PC always seem like vaporware? It is prohibitively expensive and that does not seem to change year on year, I don't even really think I have seen a news story or anything about VR for the last 18 months apart from Sony's crappy offering.

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#34
post #33

Why does VR on the PC always seem like vaporware? It is prohibitively expensive and that does not seem to change year on year, I don't even really think I have seen a news story or anything about VR for the last 18 months apart from Sony's crappy offering.

Meanwhile me and others are having a blast in VR day in, day out.

Funny definition of "vaporware"...

> I don't even really think I have seen a news story or anything about VR for the last 18 months apart from Sony's crappy offering.

1. Microsoft's Windows VR platform announced and launched to devs.

2. Bethesda announced 3 major AAA VR titles at E3: Fallout, Skyrim and Doom

3. Valve's innovative Knuckles controllers are in the hards of developers

4. Several new headsets announced - 3 for the new Windows VR platform, another Steam VR compatible headset from LG and some standalone headsets.

5. The Rift and Touch is now under 449 Euros

6. Apple announced SteamVR support and their own VR framework for Metal

That's just from memory.

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#35
post #33

Why does VR on the PC always seem like vaporware? It is prohibitively expensive and that does not seem to change year on year, I don't even really think I have seen a news story or anything about VR for the last 18 months apart from Sony's crappy offering.

Yesterday I was ripping robots to pieces in Robo Recall, and later took a supercar for a spin around Spa in Assetto Corsa. Both using my Oculus Rift. I must have bene dreaming since this is supposedly just vapour?

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#36

Disappoints me that major creative tools for VR are mostly being pushed out by the likes of Google and FB who are extremely likely to drop the projects within the next 2 years as their objectives shift because they're not creative tools companies. Would be much happier if some indie devs took up this space.

Funnily enough I was just making a list of VR tools that allow user-generated content (excluding music). I got this far:

Sansar

Modbox

Anyland

Tvori

Diorama Worlds

StageX

Google Blocks

High Fidelity

Tilt Brush

Medium

Quill

Rodin

MakeVR

Metaverse Construction Kit

3DSunshine

Country of One

VR Home

MyDream

Shape Lab

- I'm working on a feature matrix but rest-assured several of those are mature, well-suppoted and by smaller developers.

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem with spending a lot of time in VR is that the current generation of VR headsets get incredibly uncomfortable before too long. Developers generally get paid for their efforts, so maybe they'll put up with the discomfort, but I certainly wouldn't want to spend that much time in VR if I could help it.. not before the headsets get a lot more comfortable.

How minimal could the hardware be, while still making a compelling experience? Even top wireless gaming headsets are still bulky, in this age of miniturization of electronics. (And I prefer my bulky Corsair headset with my Vive more than their earbuds.) Can a device similar to Google Glass hold enough compute and storage to create a compelling VR experience? It's the least we could do, if we're not going to return to…

> Can a device similar to Google Glass hold enough compute and storage to create a compelling VR experience?

Not currently, but I'd be happy enough with a wireless link to a PC driving something like this: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/hologra...

Re: Google VR Blocks: A Free 3D Modeling Tool for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

#40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There are plenty of creative tools made by indie developers, including 3D modeling and sculpting tools. Most of Google's creative tools are aquihires (Tiltbrush, Soundstage) although Blocks appears to be internally developed. Some cool ones I can think of off the top of my head include SculptVR, Kodo, VRTX, Bound, Tvori and King Spray.

MMVR too, which is, iirc, basically an attempt to create a full-scale modeling tool in VR.

I failed to find anything named that other than a medical app. I eventually realised you meant "Mesh Maker VR".

Sigh. My crusade against over-use of acronyms by people who want to save themselves 2 seconds typing continues!

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