Google has launched a new virtual reality (VR) 3D modelling application; Google Blocks. The free application has been released on both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive with users able to export their designs in .obj format. This means designs created in Google Blocks can be 3D printed. Additionally, designs can be shared from an online gallery, or created into animated gifs.
With Blocks, Google says it hopes to support the creation of 3D objects for virtual or augmented reality worlds. Since “building 3D objects on a 2D screen—something our brains aren’t wired to do,” Google decided to build a VR app to create for VR apps. The application is focused on simplicity and with it – Google hopes to flood virtual reality worlds with interesting 3D designs.
Gif shows the 3D modelling process using Google Blocks. Images via Google VR.
Building blocks
Blocks is designed to be very simple to use with just 6 different tools to choose from. These include Shape, Stroke, Paint, Modify, Grab, and Ease. Google aims to provide a simple and intuitive platform that is not daunting for beginners but has enough functionality for more seasoned virtual reality designers.
Virtual reality modelling
Google Blocks joins an expanding group of virtual reality design applications. Already there is Oculus’ Medium, MakeVR for HTC Vive, Gravity Sketch and Google’s Tiltbrush among others. However, not all these applications will be suitable for 3D printing with scaling and definition issues. Despite this Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who now own Oculus, showcased Oculus’ Medium software to 3D print a model of his pet dog Beast.
Google Blocks is available now, for free, for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. However it is not currently available for Google’s own VR headset Daydream.
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Featured image shows the process of designing a bowl of guacamole in VR. Image via Google.
