Access to Microsoft’s device is limited, however, and so is its functionality. You can only get hold of a developer version, and then you’ll be stuck with an ugly field of view. The current VR headsets have none of those issues, and Google is clearly aware of this. Blocks gives users a simple set of shapes and tools to build 3D models with the Rift and Vive. The simplicity of the shapes lends itself well to the hardware constraints of VR, and also means any user can pick it up.
However, Google Blocks is a publishing platform as well as a modeling app. Users can export their models to Google’s webpage and share them via links, .obj exports, or gifs. Like HoloStudio, that should allow for 3D printing.
Not on Daydream
Unfortunately, Google hasn’t released Blocks on Daydream, its own VR platform that runs on smartphones. Though models seem more simple than Microsoft’s offering, it doesn’t appear lightweight enough to run on other devices just yet. That’s not to say it won’t happen in the future, however, and for the price, it’s hard to be upset. Blocks is available free on the Oculus Store and Steam. It joins Google’s other apps, Earth and Tilt Brush. You can find a full gallery of user creations on the Google Blocks site.
