Abstract

The internet is rapidly evolving. An increasingly powerful web infrastructure is enabling large-scale 3D content creation and consumption online. Low-cost scanners and simple content creation tools are leading to an explosion of 3D content supply. 3D visualisation devices (e.g. headsets) and 3D printers will allow greater consumption and increase demand. Together, these have led to the emergence of a blended reality web – a ‘3D Web’ – that is bringing the digital and physical worlds closer together than ever before. This is set to transform a range of sectors including manufacturing, 3D printing, VR / AR and retail, amongst others. As the hardware for content consumption commoditises, the significance of content rises, in a similar trajectory to the written word, music, images and video. Mark Zuckerberg recently noted that 3D content is the next big file format and the major firms – including Microsoft, Intel, HP, Google and others – are vying for dominance in this growing ecosystem. This talk maps the evolution and explores implications and opportunities ahead. It will look at the challenges that need to be addressed, including ordering and navigating 3D content and protecting IP in this space. It will also identify the key elements of the emerging ecosystem, gaps that need to be filled and likely pathways in the near-to-mid term.