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WebXR Glossary
- 360 Video – 360 video is a type of video recording that captures a 360-degree view of the surroundings, providing an immersive and interactive viewing experience. It is captured using a special camera rig with multiple lenses that capture the entire view around them, and the video is then stitched together using specialized software to create a seamless 360-degree video. Viewers can explore the environment by looking around in any direction, either on a computer or mobile device using a compatible player or app, or with a virtual reality headset. It has become popular for events, travel, real estate, and more, providing a unique and engaging way to experience content.
- Avatar – In the context of WebXR, an avatar is a digital representation of a user or participant within a virtual environment. Avatars can be customized with various attributes such as clothing, accessories, and physical features, and they allow users to interact with each other within the virtual environment. Avatars can be controlled through a variety of input devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, gamepad, or hand controllers in a virtual reality headset. In WebXR applications, avatars are used to enable users to communicate and collaborate with each other in real-time, and they are an important element for creating a sense of presence and immersion within the virtual environment.
- Blender – Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation software that allows users to create 3D models, animations, and visual effects. It supports a wide range of 3D modeling techniques, including polygonal modeling, sculpting, and procedural modeling. Blender also includes a powerful animation system, with tools for keyframe animation, rigging, and character animation. Other features include advanced rendering capabilities, compositing tools, and support for physics simulations. Blender is used by a diverse range of users, from independent artists and hobbyists to large studios, and it is renowned for its flexibility, versatility, and community-driven development. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
- Gizmo – Gizmo is a term used to describe the collection of tools that are available for manipulating objects in the 3D scene. These tools are used to position, rotate, and scale objects, as well as adjust their properties such as color, texture, and lighting. The gizmo tools include the Move Gizmo, which allows users to move objects in the 3D space, the Rotate Gizmo, which allows users to rotate objects around different axes, and the Scale Gizmo, which allows users to adjust the size of objects. The gizmo tools make it easier for users to create and customize 3D scenes in Spoke on Mozilla Hubs.
- Hackathon – A hackathon is an event where teams of developers, designers, and other professionals come together to collaborate on a project, usually over the course of a day or a weekend. The goal is to create a working prototype or solution that solves a specific problem or addresses a particular challenge. Participants often work intensively, often overnight, to brainstorm, develop, and test their ideas. Hackathons can be organized by companies, universities, or other organizations to spur innovation, encourage teamwork and problem-solving, and showcase new technologies or products. Hackathons often have a competitive aspect, with judges evaluating the projects and awarding prizes or recognition to the top teams.
- Low Polygon Count vs High Polygon Count – Low polygon count and high polygon count refer to the number of polygons used to create a 3D model or scene. Low polygon count models use fewer polygons, resulting in simpler shapes and less detail, while high polygon count models use more polygons, resulting in more complex shapes and more detail. Low polygon count models are often used in real-time applications, such as video games, where performance is critical. High polygon count models are typically used in pre-rendered content, such as movies or still images, where visual quality is the primary concern. Finding the right balance between polygon count and performance is important for creating immersive and engaging 3D experiences.
- Mozilla Hubs – Mozilla Hubs is a web-based platform that enables users to create and join virtual rooms where they can interact with others using customizable avatars and voice chat. It uses WebVR technology to allow users to access virtual rooms directly from their web browser. Users can create and customize virtual rooms, invite others to join them, and collaborate on various projects or activities using interactive 3D objects, multimedia sharing, screen sharing, and whiteboarding. Mozilla Hubs is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with support for various devices and accessibility features, and it is open source, allowing anyone to contribute to its development.
- Polygon – In computer graphics, a polygon is a flat, two-dimensional shape made up of straight lines or edges that connect to form a closed shape. Polygons are used extensively in 3D modeling and animation to create surfaces, shapes, and objects. The number of edges, or sides, in a polygon can vary, but a polygon must have at least three sides to be considered a polygon. The corners, or vertices, of a polygon are points where two or more edges meet. The shape of a polygon is determined by the position of its vertices in three-dimensional space. Polygonal modeling is a key technique used in 3D graphics, and polygons are a fundamental component of most 3D models.
- Polygon Count – Polygon count, also known as poly count or triangle count, is the number of polygons used to create a 3D model or scene. The higher the polygon count, the more detailed and realistic the model or scene will appear. However, a higher polygon count also requires more processing power and memory, which can impact performance. Polygon count is a crucial consideration in 3D graphics, especially in game development and real-time applications. 3D artists and game developers need to balance polygon count with performance and visual quality to create the most immersive and engaging experiences possible. Reducing polygon count through optimization techniques can improve performance and reduce rendering times while maintaining visual fidelity.
- Room – In the context of WebXR Mozilla Hubs, a room is a virtual environment that users can join to interact with others in real-time using customizable avatars and voice chat. Rooms are created by users or organizations and can be customized with different layouts, objects, and environments to suit the purpose of the room, such as a meeting space, classroom, or social gathering. Rooms in Mozilla Hubs can be accessed directly from a web browser or virtual reality headset, and users can move around and interact with the environment using keyboard and mouse controls or VR hand controllers. Rooms can also include interactive elements such as media, 3D models, and whiteboards to facilitate collaboration and engagement.
- Scene – In computer graphics, a scene refers to a collection of objects, lights, cameras, and other elements that define a virtual environment. A scene can be a static image or an animated sequence, and it can be viewed from various perspectives or angles. Scenes can be created using 3D modeling software or game engines, and they are used in a wide range of applications, from movie and video game production to architectural visualization and product design. Creating a compelling scene involves balancing visual elements such as lighting, textures, and materials, as well as considering the desired mood or atmosphere. Scenes can vary widely in complexity and style, depending on the intended use and audience.
- Sketchfab – Sketchfab is an online platform for sharing, discovering, and embedding 3D content. It allows users to upload, view, and interact with 3D models and scenes created with various 3D software tools. Sketchfab supports a wide range of 3D formats, including OBJ, FBX, and STL, and it provides users with powerful tools for viewing and interacting with 3D models, including real-time rendering, annotation, and sharing. Users can also embed Sketchfab models on websites and social media, making it a valuable tool for creators, designers, educators, and businesses looking to showcase their 3D work and engage with audiences online. Sketchfab is used by a large and diverse community of 3D enthusiasts, including game developers, artists, architects, and educators.
- Spacial Audio – Spatial audio, also known as 3D audio, is a technology that creates an immersive audio experience by simulating how sound travels in the real world. It can create the illusion of sounds coming from different directions and distances in a three-dimensional space. This is achieved by manipulating sound waves to provide a more realistic audio experience for the listener. Spatial audio is experienced through a variety of devices such as headphones, speakers, and virtual reality headsets. It has numerous applications, including enhancing the immersive experience of virtual reality, providing more realistic sound for video games and improving the overall audio quality for music and movies.
- Spawn Point – In virtual reality (VR), a spawn point is a specific location where a user or object is placed or moved within the virtual world based on predefined rules or triggers. Unlike in traditional video games, spawn points in VR can be more dynamic, taking into account the user’s physical position and orientation in the real world. VR spawn points may be used to place users in a specific location within the virtual world or to move virtual objects or characters in response to user actions or predefined triggers.
- Spoke – Spoke is an open-source platform for creating and sharing immersive virtual environments. It is developed by Mozilla and is designed to be accessible to users with no previous experience in virtual reality. Spoke allows users to create and customize 3D environments, such as rooms or worlds, using simple drag-and-drop tools. The platform supports a wide range of assets, including 3D models, images, audio, and video. Spoke also allows for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. The finished environments can be viewed and shared on a variety of platforms, including VR headsets, web browsers, and social media. Spoke is an ideal tool for educators, artists, and designers looking to create immersive and engaging virtual experiences.
- X, Y and Z Axis – In three-dimensional space, the X, Y, and Z axes are used to define positions and movements of objects. The X axis is the horizontal axis, the Y axis is the vertical axis, and the Z axis is the depth axis. When referring to the orientation of an object, the X axis runs from left to right, the Y axis runs from bottom to top, and the Z axis runs from front to back. Together, these three axes allow for precise location and movement of objects in 3D space. Understanding the X, Y, and Z axes is essential in 3D modeling, animation, and game development.
- WebXR – WebXR is a technology that allows developers to create and deploy immersive and interactive virtual and augmented reality experiences on the web. It is an extension of the WebVR technology and includes support for virtual and augmented reality devices, as well as for other types of immersive experiences, such as 360-degree videos and interactive animations. WebXR enables web developers to build and deliver VR and AR experiences directly through the web browser, without the need for additional software or plugins. This makes it easier for users to access immersive experiences and for developers to reach a wider audience with their content.