Democratisation of VR - anyone can do it

With Amazon Sumerian, anyone can develop VR/AR applications. The Sumerian editor makes it easy to create, edit and publish applications using a web browser.

Until now, the development of VR content was left to the professionals. Of course, users could already build things in certain interactive applications, for example by stacking existing objects on top of each other or selecting settings such as colour, textures, etc. With Amazon Sumerian but soon everyone will be able to develop and run VR, AR and 3D applications quickly and easily, without the need for special programmes or expertise in 3D graphics.

According to Amazon, Sumerian can be used to develop engaging and interactive scenes directly in the browser that run on common hardware such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and iOS mobile devices (support for Android ARCore is also said to be coming soon). For example, one can create a virtual classroom to train new employees worldwide or a virtual environment in which a building can be viewed remotely. Sumerian makes it easy to create all the building blocks for engaging and interactive 3D experiences, such as adding objects (e.g. characters, furniture and scenery) and designing, animating and scripting environments.

Thus, 3D objects can be imported and selected from already loaded scene templates. Furthermore, scripts can be created for the logic that control the behaviour of the objects in the scene.

Realistic characters

With Sumerian, users can create 3D characters that speak different languages and guide users through the scenes. And you can also talk to others with these so-called hosts.

Versatile, for public use

It is also possible to publish the scene you have created. The finished scene is stored in the cloud and has a unique URL with which it can be accessed. This enables a huge field of application. In summary, Amazon suggests the following:

• Staff training

Develop scenes that allow you to train and educate staff remotely with a virtual host. Employees can learn procedures or processes in a virtual training room or during the simulation of a real scenario.

• Virtual concierge

Develop scenes with a host that serves as a concierge for your end users for almost any industry. The concierge can greet users, answer frequently asked questions and introduce users to your company's services and offerings.

• Design and layout

Develop scenes that help in the development of new products or creative assets. Designers, creatives and business people can use VR/AR to visualise models of designs and review them as they would in reality to improve the efficiency of the product design cycle.

• Retail and distribution

Develop scenes that support the marketing and sales of your product. For example, a retailer could develop a mobile AR app that lets users see how furniture would look in rooms before they buy. You could also develop a scene where a host acts as a virtual salesperson selling products and answering questions.

Sumerian is available as a pre-release version. One can get here register.

Source: Amazon