Meta’s Hyperscape Transforms Real World into Immersive VR

Person in VR headset merges digital world with real city.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Meta has unveiled Hyperspace, a groundbreaking technology designed to convert real-world environments into photorealistic virtual reality spaces. Announced at the Meta Connect developer conference, this innovation allows users to capture and replicate physical locations in stunning detail, paving the way for more immersive metaverse experiences.

    Key Takeaways

    • Hyperspace Capture is now available in Early Access for Quest 3 and Quest 3S users.
    • The technology uses Gaussian Splatting, cloud rendering, and streaming for high-fidelity digital replicas.
    • Future updates will enable social sharing of these captured virtual spaces.

    The Power of Hyperspace

    Meta’s Hyperspace technology, first previewed last year, aims to bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms. With Hyperspace Capture, users can scan a physical room in mere minutes. While the capture process is quick, the rendering of the space into a photorealistic VR environment can take several hours. This allows for the creation of digital replicas that are remarkably true to life.

    Early Access and Future Potential

    Currently, Hyperspace Capture is rolling out in Early Access for individuals aged 18 and above who own a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset. The rollout is gradual, so availability may vary. Although users cannot currently invite others into their digital spaces, Meta has confirmed that this social functionality will be introduced in the future via private links.

    Featured Hyperspace Worlds

    To showcase the capabilities of Hyperspace, Meta has already rendered several impressive virtual environments. These include Gordon Ramsay’s home kitchen in Los Angeles, Chance the Rapper’s House of Kicks, the UFC Apex’s Octagon in Las Vegas, and a room filled with Crocs belonging to influencer Happy Kelli. These examples highlight the diverse applications of the technology, from celebrity spaces to unique collections.

    Broader Metaverse Updates

    Alongside the Hyperspace announcement, Meta also shared other metaverse-related updates. These include a new slate of fall VR games, such as "Marvel’s Deadpool VR," "Star Wars: Beyond Victory," and "Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked." Additionally, the Horizon TV streaming app will integrate Disney+ content, and partnerships with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse will bring immersive movie experiences, featuring titles like "M3GAN" and "The Black Phone," to the platform. A limited-time 3D clip from "Avatar: Fire and Ash" will also be available.

    Sources