In closing, Dana reflects on the future of cities and the importance of urban centers in solving global challenges. She remains optimistic about the potential of cities to adapt and thrive, emphasizing the role of technology in making urban environments more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Her insights offer a compelling vision for the future of urban planning and the transformative power of AR in creating more connected and engaged communities.

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

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This podcast episode features Vlado Koylazov, co-founder of Chaos and inventor of the widely-used V-Ray rendering software. Koylazov shares his journey in computer graphics, from his early fascination with the field to the development of V-Ray and the latest innovations at Chaos.

Koylazov recounts the early days of V-Ray development, highlighting key features that set it apart, such as being a pure ray tracer with physical lights and materials. He emphasizes the importance of user-focused design, which led to the inclusion of features like the Sun and Sky system and light portals, making V-Ray particularly successful in architectural visualization.

The conversation delves into the development of Chaos Vantage, a real-time ray tracing tool. Koylazov explains the challenges they faced in achieving real-time performance, including the need for advanced denoising techniques and careful feature selection. He highlights the significance of NVIDIA's DLSS technology in enabling upscaling, denoising, and anti-aliasing for improved performance.

Koylazov discusses Project Arena, Chaos's solution for virtual production on LED stages. He explains how this project leverages Vantage's capabilities to provide a streamlined workflow for users transitioning from traditional 3D content creation to virtual production environments.

The impact of AI on the industry is a significant topic of discussion. Koylazov shares insights on how AI is being used for image enhancement, scene generation, and material creation. He emphasizes the ongoing importance of 3D content for flexibility and directability, areas where current AI solutions may fall short.

The adoption of open standards like USD (Universal Scene Description) and MaterialX is addressed, with Koylazov explaining Chaos's involvement in these initiatives and their potential impact on workflow interoperability. He discusses the possibility of USD eventually replacing Chaos's proprietary VRScene format for internal communication between products.

Koylazov provides his perspective on the future of rendering technology, noting that while major breakthroughs may be less frequent, continuous refinements and workflow improvements remain crucial. He discusses the balance between different rendering solutions within Chaos, explaining why a single, all-encompassing renderer may not be practical given the diverse needs of different use cases.

Reflecting on his career, Koylazov highlights the implementation of the light cache in V-Ray as a significant achievement, which greatly enhanced its capabilities for architectural visualization. He also expresses pride in the enduring architecture of V-Ray, which has allowed for continuous development and collaboration over two decades.

The episode concludes with Koylazov acknowledging the collective effort behind Chaos's success, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in building successful products. He expresses gratitude for the contributions of his colleagues across various departments, from development to sales and marketing.

Throughout the conversation, Koylazov's passion for innovation and commitment to solving user challenges shines through, providing with valuable insights into the evolution of rendering technology and the future of computer graphics.

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

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Inga Petryaevskaya, the visionary CEO and Founder of ShapesXR, joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from her early career in machine learning at Siemens to leading a pioneering VR collaboration platform. With a deep-rooted passion for technology and innovation, Inga discusses how ShapesXR is revolutionizing the way we design and collaborate in immersive environments.

Starting with her background, Inga explains how her work at Siemens involved early applications of machine learning, such as predicting flooding in Amsterdam. This experience laid the groundwork for her understanding of how emerging technologies can solve real-world problems. Transitioning to the VR industry, she founded ShapesXR to address the challenges of explaining complex ideas and designs in immersive, three-dimensional spaces.

ShapesXR, Inga elaborates, is designed to enhance collaborative design processes by allowing teams to prototype, iterate, and visualize ideas in real time. The platform's versatility is highlighted through various use cases, including designing XR applications, creating digital twins for real-world events, and even designing fashion items. By enabling rapid prototyping and integrating storytelling elements, ShapesXR supports a wide range of industries, from healthcare training to retail and fashion.

Inga also addresses the broader XR landscape, noting the significant potential of AI to further accelerate and enhance VR experiences. She envisions AI as a powerful tool for rapid prototyping, environment generation, and co-ideation, making the design process more efficient and intuitive. This integration aligns with ShapesXR’s mission to democratize access to immersive design tools and foster innovation.

The upcoming release of ShapesXR 2.0 marks a significant milestone for the platform. Inga reveals that the new version will be a truly cross-platform product, supporting various devices and input methods. This upgrade includes a redesigned UI, procedural primitives for shaping any object, and enhanced performance optimizations. The goal is to provide a seamless and scalable experience for users, regardless of the device or input method they use.

Reflecting on the state of the XR industry, Inga emphasizes the importance of patience and resilience. The market is challenging but filled with potential, especially as more companies recognize the value of immersive technologies. She highlights the supportive nature of the XR community, sharing anecdotes of collaboration and mutual encouragement among industry pioneers.

Inga concludes by expressing her excitement for the future of ShapesXR and the broader XR industry. She believes that immersive technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of design, collaboration, and user experiences. Her vision for ShapesXR is to continue evolving and meeting the needs of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

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In this podcast episode, Neha Singh, Founder and CEO of Obsess.vr, delves into her journey and the innovative strides her company is making in the world of e-commerce. Singh, whose background uniquely blends computer science from MIT and fashion studies from FIT, has channeled her dual expertise into founding Obsess.vr. The platform transforms traditional online shopping into immersive 3D virtual store experiences, enhancing how consumers engage with brands. Singh’s career began with roles at Google and a luxury e-commerce startup, eventually leading her to Vogue, where she launched various digital products. This diverse experience provided her with insights into both the tech and fashion industries, laying the foundation for Obsess.vr. Founded in 2016, Obsess.vr partners with top-tier brands like Dior, L'Oreal, and Crate & Barrel, creating virtual shopping environments that replicate the discovery-driven shopping of physical stores. Singh discusses the shortcomings of current e-commerce interfaces, which often reduce products to small thumbnails on a white background. This setup fails to convey the brand story and the experiential aspect of shopping. Obsess.vr addresses this by leveraging real-time 3D technology to create branded, interactive virtual stores. These environments are accessible via web links and integrate seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms, making it easy for consumers to engage with them on any device. The platform’s use of WebGL and Three.js ensures fast load times and high-quality rendering, essential for keeping users engaged. Singh emphasizes the importance of creating both photorealistic and fantastical virtual environments, depending on the brand’s vision. Obsess.vr also incorporates gamification elements, such as scavenger hunts and custom games, which significantly boost user engagement and conversion rates. A key aspect of Obsess.vr’s strategy is its focus on accessibility and integration. The platform integrates with major e-commerce systems like Salesforce and Shopify, allowing for seamless product data synchronization and enhanced customer experiences. Singh also highlights the importance of making these virtual experiences accessible through various channels, including social media, email, and even QR codes in physical stores. Singh envisions a future where the internet is inherently 3D, with virtual shopping becoming a standard part of the online experience. Obsess.vr aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing brands with tools to create and manage immersive digital experiences. The company is also exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of 3D models and environments, further reducing production time and costs. The podcast also touches on innovative projects like the virtual store for K18 haircare, which educates users about hair structure through interactive 3D experiences, and the use of AI in extending historical ad campaigns into immersive environments for Elizabeth Arden. Singh’s approach demonstrates how brands can use virtual spaces not just for selling products, but for creating memorable, educational experiences that build long-term customer relationships. In conclusion, Neha Singh’s Obsess.vr is pioneering the next evolution of e-commerce, blending cutting-edge technology with creative brand storytelling. By making virtual shopping engaging, accessible, and integrated, Obsess.vr is set to revolutionize how consumers interact with brands online, making 3D virtual stores an essential component of the future internet.

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

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Julie Lottering from Epic Games and Liz Dailey from CreateAccess delve into the expanding universe of 3D creation and its implications for various industries and education. Julie Lottering starts the conversation by discussing the remarkable growth of careers in 3D and real-time applications. She attributes this growth to the availability of free tools, the ability to publish content easily, and the increasing demand for digital experiences. Julie highlights that the job market for real-time skills is growing exponentially, with reports indicating a 601% faster growth rate than the overall job market. She also notes that real-time jobs offer significantly higher salaries, especially in Canada, where they can be about 70% higher than other markets.

Julie further elaborates on how industries such as architecture, fashion, and automotive are adopting real-time skills. She emphasizes the need for proper education and training to fill the skill gaps in these sectors. Real-time technology allows for faster creative decision-making and higher visual fidelity, making it indispensable for modern industries. Julie also touches on the historical evolution of video games and their recognition as an art form, encouraging more contributions to this still-pioneering field.

Liz Dailey shifts the focus to the mission of CreateAccess, a non-profit dedicated to engaging beginners in 3D creation. She explains how CreateAccess provides freely available educational materials and in-person programs to help learners overcome the intimidation of technology. Liz highlights the importance of building confidence in beginners and creating a supportive community for learning. She shares examples of how CreateAccess uses tools like the Unreal Editor for Fortnite and the Polycam app to make 3D creation accessible and engaging for all skill levels.

Both Julie and Liz discuss the role of democratizing 3D creation. Julie mentions that Epic Games aims to make their tools as accessible as possible by offering free resources and fostering a community of creators who share their knowledge. Liz adds that CreateAccess's approach involves developing beginner-friendly projects that provide immediate visual feedback, helping learners quickly see the results of their efforts and stay motivated.

The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on 3D creation and education. Julie expresses optimism about AI's potential to accelerate creative processes and make beautiful things faster. She acknowledges the need for ongoing dialogue about the responsible use of AI and its implications for digital citizenship. Liz adds that AI-empowered technologies can democratize creative processes, enabling more people to participate in making art, music, and other creative endeavors.

Overall, the episode underscores the transformative potential of 3D creation across various industries and the importance of making these tools accessible to a diverse range of creators. Julie and Liz's insights highlight the need for continuous education, community support, and responsible use of emerging technologies to foster innovation and creativity in the digital age.

Have any comments or questions?

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

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In this episode of "Building the Open Metaverse," hosts Marc Petit and Patrick Cozzi welcome Will Eastcott, the co-founder and CEO of PlayCanvas, a pioneering open-source game engine. Eastcott's journey in the gaming industry began in the 1980s when he was captivated by the 3D space trading game "Elite," which fueled his passion for computers and video games. He pursued computing at Imperial College London and gained early industry experience at a VR company, working with advanced silicon graphics workstations. His career took off at Criterion Software, where he contributed to developing RenderWare and worked on notable games like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty.

Eastcott's transition to web-based game development was sparked by the release of the WebGL specification in 2010, which he saw as a significant opportunity for interactive graphics. He founded PlayCanvas in 2011, focusing on creating a web-native game engine that leveraged WebGL. Despite initial challenges, such as limited WebGL support on iOS, PlayCanvas flourished, becoming open-source in 2014. This move fostered a global community of developers and solidified PlayCanvas's role in democratizing game development.

The conversation delves into the strategic acquisition of PlayCanvas by Snap Inc. in 2017, which allowed Eastcott and his team to work on Snap Games, a platform serving millions of users. Eastcott shares insights into the unique aspects of PlayCanvas, including its lightweight runtime, collaborative browser-based platform, and commitment to open standards like glTF and WebXR. He emphasizes the importance of WebGPU in achieving significant performance improvements and explores the potential of AI and machine learning in revolutionizing content creation.

Eastcott highlights the development of Super Splat, a tool for optimizing 3D Gaussian splat scenes, demonstrating how AI can streamline the creation of photorealistic content without extensive coding. He also discusses the future of web gaming, pointing out the need for improved payment systems, discovery mechanisms, and better support from browser vendors to enhance the web gaming experience.

The episode concludes with Eastcott offering advice to aspiring game developers, encouraging them to leverage the vast audience and creative freedom provided by the web. He also gives a shout-out to Ken Russell and the National Center for Computing History in Cambridge, UK, acknowledging their contributions to the industry. Eastcott's journey and insights provide a compelling narrative on the evolution of web-based game development and the transformative potential of emerging technologies.

Have any comments or questions?

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Visit our website www.buildingtheopenmetaverse.org 

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Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together. 

#BuildingTheOpenMetaversePodcast #MetaversePodcast #Metaverse