Meta Hyperscape: Real-World to VR Technology

Meta Unveils Hyperscape for Photorealistic VR Spaces

While the focus of today’s Meta Connect conference centered on advancements in smart glasses, the company also revealed several updates for its metaverse platform during Wednesday’s keynote presentation.

A significant announcement was the introduction of Hyperscape, initially showcased at last year’s event. This technology empowers developers and creators to construct virtual reality environments with heightened photorealism.

Hyperscape Capture: Bringing Real Spaces into VR

Hyperscape Capture is now available in early access. This allows owners of Quest devices to scan physical rooms within minutes and transform them into immersive, photorealistic virtual worlds – effectively creating digital replicas of real-world locations.

The scanning process is swift, taking only a few minutes to complete. However, Meta notes that rendering the captured room into a fully realized virtual environment will require several hours.

Initially, users will not have the ability to invite others into these digitally recreated spaces. This feature is planned for future implementation, accessible via a private link.

Despite the early access limitations, the technology has already been utilized to render several featured Hyperscape worlds.

Featured Hyperscape Worlds

• Gordon Ramsay’s home kitchen in Los Angeles
• Chance the Rapper’s House of Kicks
• The Octagon at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas
• Happy Kelli’s Crocs collection room

Meta initially demonstrated Hyperscape during its Connect conference last year. The demonstration highlighted the use of Gaussian splatting, cloud rendering, and streaming technologies to achieve the high fidelity of the digital worlds on a Meta Quest 3 headset.

The rollout of Hyperscape is now beginning for users aged 18 and older who own either a Quest 3 or Quest 3S. The release will be phased, meaning immediate access isn’t guaranteed for all users.

Additional Metaverse Updates

Beyond Hyperscape, Meta announced further metaverse enhancements. These include a new selection of fall VR games, such as:

• Marvel’s Deadpool VR
• ILM’s Star Wars: Beyond Victory
• Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked
• Reach

The Horizon TV streaming app will gain support for Disney+, encompassing ESPN and Hulu content for subscribers. A collaboration with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse will bring immersive special effects to films like “M3GAN” and “The Black Phone”.

A limited-time 3D clip of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” will also be made available.