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Google's effort to simplify content creation in virtual reality (VR) has received a boost, with Blocks, a new modeling tool for VR that anyone can use. Blocks is capable of amazing creations in VR, allowing users to build, export and share amazing creations and use cases from 3D modelers, artists, developers or even people with no modeling experience.

With just a simple set of shapes, a color palette, and an intuitive set of tools, anyone can quickly create almost anything imaginable, from a piece of watermelon to a whole forest scene.

Blocks feels more like playing with children’s blocks than working with traditional 3D modeling software, but only available for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and once your creation is ready, you can export it as an OBJ to use in AR/VR apps or share it to the web or generate an animated gif.

It kills off the restraints of lack of visual fidelity, availing developers the means to build simple polygonal objects quickly and export them into their AR of VR apps.

Albeit, the focus seems to be more on developers and amateurs rather than full-blown artists, as it takes out the complexity and specific skillset needed to create compelling VR and AR experiences.

Explore sample creations from early enthusiasts at https://vr.google.com/objects for inspiration or as a starting point for your own remix.

Google launches 3D modeling tool for Virtual Reality, Blocks



Google's effort to simplify content creation in virtual reality (VR) has received a boost, with Blocks, a new modeling tool for VR that anyone can use. Blocks is capable of amazing creations in VR, allowing users to build, export and share amazing creations and use cases from 3D modelers, artists, developers or even people with no modeling experience.

With just a simple set of shapes, a color palette, and an intuitive set of tools, anyone can quickly create almost anything imaginable, from a piece of watermelon to a whole forest scene.

Blocks feels more like playing with children’s blocks than working with traditional 3D modeling software, but only available for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, and once your creation is ready, you can export it as an OBJ to use in AR/VR apps or share it to the web or generate an animated gif.

It kills off the restraints of lack of visual fidelity, availing developers the means to build simple polygonal objects quickly and export them into their AR of VR apps.

Albeit, the focus seems to be more on developers and amateurs rather than full-blown artists, as it takes out the complexity and specific skillset needed to create compelling VR and AR experiences.

Explore sample creations from early enthusiasts at https://vr.google.com/objects for inspiration or as a starting point for your own remix.
Emerging Technology