Fotowoosh and Photosynth: 2D photos and 3D models

Over on my Computerworld blog, I've taken a brief look at two software tools which can model 3D environments based on ordinary photographs. Judging by the demos that I viewed, the more visually impressive tool is Fotowoosh. Microsoft's Photosynth seems to be an interesting concept, but the end product seems more aimed at creating a geospatial model that contains 2D imagery, rather than true 3D visuals.

When such technologies become available to developers and/or are integrated with other 3D modeling tools, watch out! Here are some possibilities that I outlined on my Computerworld blog:

... If this technology (or one like it) can be integrated with other 3D modelling tools, the impact on a number of industries will be profound. Imagine a FPS game based on actual street scenes, a la Escape From New York. Or a virtual world based on real photographs from a specific time or place. Or a Web-accessible 3D real-estate demo created from standard digital photographs and a floor plan.

Techcrunch reports additional details about Fotowoosh, including news about creator Derek Hoiem and the VRML technology which is used to create the 3D models.

Second Life's 2D and X3D possibilities

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel on Second Life out in Silicon Valley, at Intel HQ. It was fun to discuss virtual worlds, and some of the challenges facing users and companies in Second Life. I wrote up some of the issues that were brought up at the panel, and expanded my own ideas, over on my Computerworld blog. Check out the post to read my takes on 2D views into 3D worlds, and the ongoing fragmentation of virtual communities. Also look at the comments -- Tony Parisi and a few others left some interesting tidbits to mull over, especially regarding the future role of standards like X3D and the H-Anim specification.