Today, Niantic has unveiled exciting updates to its Scaniverse platform, marking a significant step forward in creating a playable, 3D world. These updates include the launch of Into the Scaniverse, a WebXR app for Meta Quest, the expansion of the Scaniverse map to Android users, and new language support for Japanese and German on iOS.
Since its inception, Scaniverse has empowered a global community of creators to map the world in 3D, capturing everything from iconic landmarks like Stonehenge to hidden street art. Today’s announcement reflects Niantic’s ongoing mission: to use immersive technology to connect people to the world around them, rather than drawing them away from it.
Niantic’s new WebXR app, Into the Scaniverse, allows users to explore their captures, powered by the Radiance Field method, Gaussian Splatting. Radiance Fields are able to take a series of standard 2D images and create explorable and lifelike 3D. Developed entirely in Niantic Studio, the app lets users experience the Scaniverse map in immersive VR for the first time.
Accessible in beta through the Quest browser, the app offers a unique viewing experience. Unlike traditional 360° photos, Into the Scaniverse allows full spatial exploration. Users can tilt their heads, move their bodies, and experience each scene as if they were physically there.
While the app is fully functional and free to use, Niantic plans to refine visual fidelity and optimize performance before launching a native Meta Quest app. Users can explore public splats from across 100+ countries or connect their accounts to view their own captures (currently limited to iOS users).
Responding to overwhelming community demand, Niantic has brought the global Scaniverse map to Android devices. With the latest Scaniverse 4.0 update, Android users can now upload, explore, and search the growing collection of splats. The Discover Feed, a feature that allows users to teleport to beautiful places with a simple swipe, is also available on Android.
In tandem with the announcement, Niantic has published a comprehensive article chronicling the rise of Gaussian Splatting, the Radiance Field method behind its technology. From its early adoption in 3D reconstruction to its current applications in VR, the article provides a fascinating look at how this Radiance Field technology has reshaped the way we capture and interact with the world around us. Readers might also find a familiar face in part four of the article!
Earlier this year, Scaniverse showcased its pipeline as part of Snap’s upcoming Spectacles V5, allowing users to integrate their captures with the cutting-edge AR glasses. Now, with Into the Scaniverse, Scaniverse continues to solidify its position as a leader in the AR and VR space by delivering a lifelike and immersive way to explore Radiance Fields in virtual environments.
For those wondering about if their device is strong enough, Scaniverse runs entirely locally on device, meaning you don't need to upload anything. Surprisingly it doesn't really drain my phone's battery and takes about 90 seconds to train the first iteration.
Don't get discouraged if it takes a couple times to practice capturing! It can take a little getting used to, but go slowly and really make an arc while you capture! If you're looking for any inspiration, here is my Scaniverse account.
Niantic has long been a pioneer in mapping the real world in a lifelike way through Scaniverse, and Into the Scaniverse continues that mission. Starting today, users can download the app and begin exploring their Radiance Field captures in an entirely new way.
Read the full blog post here and start your journey Into the Scaniverse. Scaniverse is available free on both iOS and Android.
