:

360-DEGREE CAMERAS NOW POWER DIY 3D WORLD RECREATION

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
FRI, APR 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Insta360, the leading 360-degree camera maker, has partnered with UK startup Splatica to democratize photorealistic 3D environment capture. The collaboration enables creators to build interactive, walkable digital spaces without waiting for companies like Google to film.

Splatica specializes in Gaussian splatting, a technology that converts 360-degree camera footage into navigable 3D models. The process lets users explore digitally recreated environments like interactive video games, offering a significant leap beyond static Street View imagery. Insta360's partnership provides Splatica with access to millions of 360-degree camera users, accelerating adoption of the startup's tools. Creators can now capture real-world locations and instantly transform them into immersive 3D spaces. The integration addresses a major barrier to 3D world-building: accessibility. Previously, photorealistic 3D recreation required specialized equipment and expertise. This collaboration puts those capabilities directly into creators' hands. Applications span real estate, tourism, gaming, and education. The technology could reshape how spaces are documented, shared, and experienced digitally.

■ SOURCES

The Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK

Garmin unveiled its Fenix 9 smartwatch line with OLED displays reaching 3,000 nits—twice as bright as the previous generation. The rugged timepiece starts at $999.99 for the 43mm model.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

Competing humanoid robots set new speed records at the World Humanoid Robot Games, though some units caught fire during competitions. The event highlighted both advances in robotics performance and ongoing reliability challenges.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

The FDA has authorized the first wearable device capable of continuously monitoring both ketone and blood sugar levels. The device enables real-time metabolic tracking for users managing diabetes and metabolic conditions.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

Apple's new M6 chip shows respectable performance improvements built on a 2nm process, but existing M5 users face no pressing reason to upgrade.

7H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.