Patrick Cozzi, a leading expert in 3D geospatial technologies, joins Bentley CTO Julien Moutte to discuss Bentley's recent acquisition of Cesium. They explore how this partnership enhances innovation in infrastructure tech and the metaverse through AI and digital twins. The duo delves into the integration of diverse data layers and the importance of open standards. Moutte shares insights on navigating corporate culture while maintaining agility, and together they emphasize the role of community feedback in shaping the future of 3D technologies.

In closing, Dana reflects on the future of cities and the importance of urban centers in solving global challenges. She remains optimistic about the potential of cities to adapt and thrive, emphasizing the role of technology in making urban environments more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Her insights offer a compelling vision for the future of urban planning and the transformative power of AR in creating more connected and engaged communities.  Have any comments or questions? Email the show Feedback@Buildingtheopenmetaverse.org Want more information?  Visit our website www.buildingtheopenmetaverse.org  And make sure you follow us on Linkedin for all of our show updates  https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildingtheopenmetaverse  Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together.  #BuildingTheOpenMetaversePodcast #MetaversePodcast #Metaverse

Listen to Vlado Koylazov, Co-founder of Chaos and inventor of V-Ray rendering software, as he discusses the early days of V-Ray development, user-focused design, real-time ray tracing with Chaos Vantage, AI advancements in image enhancement, and the impact of Project Arena on virtual production environments.

Inga Petryaevskaya, the visionary CEO and Founder of ShapesXR, joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey from her early career in machine learning at Siemens to leading a pioneering VR collaboration platform. With a deep-rooted passion for technology and innovation, Inga discusses how ShapesXR is revolutionizing the way we design and collaborate in immersive environments.Starting with her background, Inga explains how her work at Siemens involved early applications of machine learning, such as predicting flooding in Amsterdam. This experience laid the groundwork for her understanding of how emerging technologies can solve real-world problems. Transitioning to the VR industry, she founded ShapesXR to address the challenges of explaining complex ideas and designs in immersive, three-dimensional spaces.ShapesXR, Inga elaborates, is designed to enhance collaborative design processes by allowing teams to prototype, iterate, and visualize ideas in real time. The platform's versatility is highlighted through various use cases, including designing XR applications, creating digital twins for real-world events, and even designing fashion items. By enabling rapid prototyping and integrating storytelling elements, ShapesXR supports a wide range of industries, from healthcare training to retail and fashion.Inga also addresses the broader XR landscape, noting the significant potential of AI to further accelerate and enhance VR experiences. She envisions AI as a powerful tool for rapid prototyping, environment generation, and co-ideation, making the design process more efficient and intuitive. This integration aligns with ShapesXR’s mission to democratize access to immersive design tools and foster innovation.The upcoming release of ShapesXR 2.0 marks a significant milestone for the platform. Inga reveals that the new version will be a truly cross-platform product, supporting various devices and input methods. This upgrade includes a redesigned UI, procedural primitives for shaping any object, and enhanced performance optimizations. The goal is to provide a seamless and scalable experience for users, regardless of the device or input method they use.Reflecting on the state of the XR industry, Inga emphasizes the importance of patience and resilience. The market is challenging but filled with potential, especially as more companies recognize the value of immersive technologies. She highlights the supportive nature of the XR community, sharing anecdotes of collaboration and mutual encouragement among industry pioneers.Inga concludes by expressing her excitement for the future of ShapesXR and the broader XR industry. She believes that immersive technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of design, collaboration, and user experiences. Her vision for ShapesXR is to continue evolving and meeting the needs of a rapidly changing technological landscape. Have any comments or questions? Email the show Feedback@Buildingtheopenmetaverse.org Want more information?  Visit our website www.buildingtheopenmetaverse.org  And make sure you follow us on Linkedin for all of our show updates  https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildingtheopenmetaverse  Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together.  #BuildingTheOpenMetaversePodcast #MetaversePodcast #Metaverse

In this podcast episode, Neha Singh, Founder and CEO of Obsess.vr, delves into her journey and the innovative strides her company is making in the world of e-commerce. Singh, whose background uniquely blends computer science from MIT and fashion studies from FIT, has channeled her dual expertise into founding Obsess.vr. The platform transforms traditional online shopping into immersive 3D virtual store experiences, enhancing how consumers engage with brands. Singh’s career began with roles at Google and a luxury e-commerce startup, eventually leading her to Vogue, where she launched various digital products. This diverse experience provided her with insights into both the tech and fashion industries, laying the foundation for Obsess.vr. Founded in 2016, Obsess.vr partners with top-tier brands like Dior, L'Oreal, and Crate & Barrel, creating virtual shopping environments that replicate the discovery-driven shopping of physical stores. Singh discusses the shortcomings of current e-commerce interfaces, which often reduce products to small thumbnails on a white background. This setup fails to convey the brand story and the experiential aspect of shopping. Obsess.vr addresses this by leveraging real-time 3D technology to create branded, interactive virtual stores. These environments are accessible via web links and integrate seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms, making it easy for consumers to engage with them on any device. The platform’s use of WebGL and Three.js ensures fast load times and high-quality rendering, essential for keeping users engaged. Singh emphasizes the importance of creating both photorealistic and fantastical virtual environments, depending on the brand’s vision. Obsess.vr also incorporates gamification elements, such as scavenger hunts and custom games, which significantly boost user engagement and conversion rates. A key aspect of Obsess.vr’s strategy is its focus on accessibility and integration. The platform integrates with major e-commerce systems like Salesforce and Shopify, allowing for seamless product data synchronization and enhanced customer experiences. Singh also highlights the importance of making these virtual experiences accessible through various channels, including social media, email, and even QR codes in physical stores. Singh envisions a future where the internet is inherently 3D, with virtual shopping becoming a standard part of the online experience. Obsess.vr aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing brands with tools to create and manage immersive digital experiences. The company is also exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of 3D models and environments, further reducing production time and costs. The podcast also touches on innovative projects like the virtual store for K18 haircare, which educates users about hair structure through interactive 3D experiences, and the use of AI in extending historical ad campaigns into immersive environments for Elizabeth Arden. Singh’s approach demonstrates how brands can use virtual spaces not just for selling products, but for creating memorable, educational experiences that build long-term customer relationships. In conclusion, Neha Singh’s Obsess.vr is pioneering the next evolution of e-commerce, blending cutting-edge technology with creative brand storytelling. By making virtual shopping engaging, accessible, and integrated, Obsess.vr is set to revolutionize how consumers interact with brands online, making 3D virtual stores an essential component of the future internet. Have any comments or questions? Email the show Feedback@Buildingtheopenmetaverse.org Want more information?  Visit our website www.buildingtheopenmetaverse.org  And make sure you follow us on Linkedin for all of our show updates  https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildingtheopenmetaverse  Building the Open Metaverse is a podcast hosted by Patrick Cozzi (Cesium) and Marc Petit that invites a broad range of technical experts to share their insights on how the community is building the metaverse together.  #BuildingTheOpenMetaversePodcast #MetaversePodcast #Metaverse

Julie Lottering and Liz Dailey discuss the growth of 3D careers, the importance of real-time skills in industries like architecture and fashion, and the mission of CreateAccess to educate beginners in 3D creation. They highlight the rising job market for real-time skills, the need for proper education, and the historical evolution of video games as an art form. CreateAccess offers educational resources to empower the creators of tomorrow through the Open Metaverse.

Will Eastcott, CEO of PlayCanvas, discusses his journey in game development from 'Elite' to WebGL. He shares insights on PlayCanvas's open-source success, strategic acquisition by Snap Inc., and the future of web-based game development. Topics include WebGL, open standards, WebGPU, WebXR, AI in game development, and the democratization of game creation.

Joseph Kim, CEO of Lila Games, shares his journey in the gaming industry, from startups to King of Avalon's success. He discusses challenges in building Lila Games, Apple's IDFA impact on user acquisition, Web3 gaming, and strategic considerations for the gaming market.

Virginie Maillard, Head of Global Research in Simulation and Digital Twin at Siemens, discusses the industrial metaverse, focusing on digital twins for real-time collaboration and decision-making. She highlights benefits like time/cost savings, innovation acceleration, and sustainability. Virginie emphasizes Siemens' commitment to open standards, challenges of implementation, and importance of diverse perspectives.

Ashley Crowder, CEO of VNTANA, discusses pioneering 3D & AR for enterprises. She talks about challenges in managing 3D assets, importance of open standards like GLTF & USD. VNTANA's platform automates asset optimization for clients like Kohler & Puma, driving scalability and democratizing 3D experiences.