Niantic is reportedly in discussions to sell its gaming division to Scopely, a company owned by Saudi Arabia. The potential deal, valued at approximately $3.5 billion, signifies Niantic’s strategic shift towards augmented reality (AR) and mapping technologies. This move could influence the future development and focus of platforms like Scaniverse.
On February 26, 2025, Niantic released “Enter the Scaniverse,” a free app for Meta Quest 3 and 3S users. This application allows users to immerse themselves in over 50,000 spatial “Gaussian Splats,” which are 3D scans captured via smartphones. The app offers an interactive experience, enabling users to explore detailed 3D environments.
Advancements in 3D Capture Technology
Niantic’s Scaniverse app utilizes Gaussian splatting, a novel 3D capture method that creates photorealistic 3D objects using fuzzy, translucent points. This technology has been rapidly adopted by major tech companies, enhancing the realism and detail of 3D captures. Users can now preserve detailed 3D images of real-world objects and environments, enriching the virtual exploration experience.
Niantic is shifting its focus from gaming to augmented reality (AR) and mapping technologies. Here’s what it means for Scaniverse and Niantic’s future:
- Niantic Selling Its Gaming Division – Niantic, known for games like Pokémon GO, is reportedly selling its gaming division to Scopely for $3.5 billion. This suggests that Niantic wants to prioritize AR and 3D mapping rather than mobile games.
- Scaniverse on Meta Quest – Niantic has launched Enter the Scaniverse for Meta Quest 3, allowing users to explore over 50,000 3D scans of real-world objects. This expands Scaniverse beyond just phone-based scanning and into VR experiences.
- Advancements in 3D Capture – Scaniverse now uses “Gaussian splatting,” a new 3D rendering technique that creates highly realistic 3D objects. This improves how users capture and explore real-world locations in 3D.
Niantic’s Scaniverse
Scaniverse is a free 3D scanning application developed by Niantic, enabling users to capture and share detailed 3D models of real-world objects and environments directly from their smartphones. This tool has gained significant popularity, boasting a 4.8-star rating on the App Store, as millions have utilized it to create vibrant 3D representations.
A notable feature of Scaniverse is its integration of Gaussian splatting, a cutting-edge 3D reconstruction technique. This method represents scenes using numerous fuzzy, translucent points, known as Gaussians, each defined by attributes like position, color, and opacity. This approach offers several advantages over traditional polygon-based meshes:
- Enhanced Detail and Realism: Captures intricate textures and lighting effects, providing photorealistic 3D models.
- Efficient Processing: Enables rapid rendering and real-time visualization without the need for high-end hardware.
- Comprehensive Scene Representation: Accurately depicts complex elements such as reflections, transparency, and lighting nuances.
The integration of Gaussian splatting allows users to process and generate 3D models directly on their devices within minutes, ensuring privacy and convenience.
Scaniverse encourages a collaborative approach to building a comprehensive 3D map of the world. Users can upload their scans of public locations to a shared map, contributing to a growing collection of 3D models accessible to all. The platform also offers options to export videos for social sharing or embed models into web pages, facilitating broader dissemination of user-generated content.
In December 2024, Niantic expanded Scaniverse’s capabilities by introducing “Into the Scaniverse,” a free application for Meta Quest users. This VR experience allows users to explore an extensive collection of over 50,000 3D Gaussian splats in a fully immersive environment. Users can also view their own scans in VR, enhancing the interactivity and engagement with their 3D creations.
Niantic’s Scaniverse stands at the forefront of 3D scanning technology, offering users an accessible platform to capture, share, and explore detailed 3D models. With the integration of Gaussian splatting and expansion into virtual reality, Scaniverse is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of spatial computing and the creation of a comprehensive 3D map of our world.
