Google Open Source Blog·2yGoogle Blocks is now Open Source
Google Blocks, a tool for creating 3D objects and scenes via VR headsets, is now open source. This allows developers to use, distribute, and modify the code under the Apache 2.0 License. The existing version remains available for supported VR headsets, but the product is no longer actively developed. Enthusiasts are encouraged to innovate and develop new experiences with it.
Khronos·2yUltra Engine 0.9.7 Released
Ultra Engine 0.9.7 introduces a new decals system, particle emitters, and enhanced entity and material properties. It also includes upgraded flowgraphs, over 30 bug fixes, and various improvements to compatibility and functionality. The update aims to enhance performance and visuals for game and simulation development.
Hacker News·2ybjornbytes/lovr: Lua Virtual Reality Framework
LÖVR is a lightweight, fast, and open-source Lua framework designed for building VR experiences across multiple platforms and devices. It supports various VR headsets and includes features like asset import, spatialized audio, 3D physics, and compute shaders. Simple VR scenes can be created with minimal code, and it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Unity·2yLearn and Build Multiplayer Games this Summer with Unity 6
This summer, focus on building multiplayer games with Unity 6. Take advantage of new learning materials, webinars, and live streams designed to help you utilize Unity's latest multiplayer features. Learn how to implement LiveOps for better player retention and get up to speed with Unity 6 Preview packages like Multiplayer Play Mode and the Multiplayer Services Package. Join community sessions on Twitch and download the new VR Multiplayer Template to create immersive games for Meta Quest and other OpenXR devices.
Two Minute Papers·2yNew AI: This Is A Gaming Revolution!
New advancements in AI are revolutionizing gaming with embodied avatars, enabling players to control characters using their own body movements rather than traditional controllers. This technology anticipates and mimics human motion in real time, even without access to lower body data, and offers a more natural and immersive gaming experience. The techniques also generalize across different body types and include responsive finger movements. A minimum of 3 hours of motion capture data is required to implement these AI-driven gameplay enhancements.
TechLinked·2yIs Apple Cooked?
Meta Connect 2024 revealed several updates including the Quest 3S—a cheaper version of the Quest 3, LLaMA 3.2—a multimodal open-source AI model, and new features for Meta's smart glasses. Additionally, OpenAI's advanced voice mode for ChatGPT is rolling out but excluded from the EU due to regulatory reasons. Microsoft is addressing AI hallucination issues, and MKBHD released a new wallpaper app facing backlash over certain permissions.
Theo - t3․gg·2yI didn't expect Meta to push React this hard...
Meta showcased their extensive use of React and React Native in developing VR and AR technologies, including apps for Meta Quest. This approach allows for high-quality, cross-platform development while maintaining a consistent development experience. React Native's animation capabilities and performance enhancements were highlighted as key benefits. Additionally, the Meta Horizon store and spatial editor for desktop were also showcased, built using React Native and delivering robust performance.
Gamefromscratch·1yShapelab - A Shockingly Good Sculpting Application
Shapelab is a surprisingly user-friendly and efficient sculpting application comparable to ZBrush and Blender. It offers both VR and desktop modes, making sculpting straightforward even with just a mouse. The tool can export models in various formats such as OBJ, STL, GLB, and FBX and can generate game-ready textures automatically. Currently available through a Humble Bundle, the software includes a 2024 perpetual license with updates until the end of the year, plus a 50% discount for the 2025 version.
Hacker News·1yRelativty an Open-source VR headset for $200
Maxim Perumal and Gabriel Combe developed Relativty, an affordable and open-source VR headset, which can be built at home using a 3D printer and a soldering iron. It supports SteamVR games and is highly customizable. The headset runs on the Relativty Firmware, which is compatible with Arduino Due and other ArduinoCore-supported processors. It features a 2K dual-display at 120FPS, but other displays can be used. The project encourages contributions from developers and hackers, with all resources including the firmware, electronics, and mechanical parts available on Github.
Game Developers·2yRemember the Metaverse?? Nfts?? Blockchain??
The post discusses why predicted technological trends like NFT Pokemon games, VR titles, and blockchain data storage didn't take off as expected, attributing it to the hype surrounding these technologies. It draws parallels with past hype about cloud computing and questions the impact of generative AI on job redundancy, ultimately suggesting readers to relax and not get caught up in the hype.
