Quick Read
Matterport announces two major releases: The new Pro3 camera and an upgraded Cloud platform. Key highlights include:
- Pro3: New design with LiDAR, faster scanning, better image quality
- Cloud Platform: Streaming technology for unlimited model sizes
- Enhanced features: Guided Tours, Tags, and Enterprise Views
- Improved Cortex AI with 5x greater range
- New possibilities for large-scale digital twins
After weeks of rumors, the time finally came yesterday: Matterport officially announced the new Pro3 camera and - to my surprise - also the launch of the new Matterport Cloud platform!
Looking Back: From Pro1 to Pro2
The Matterport Pro1
Released in June 2014, the Pro1 was revolutionary, being the first system to combine 360° photography with 3D scan data to create a unique immersive presentation - the Matterport Showcase. This showcase still inspires today with the "often copied but never equaled" 3D Dollhouse view and the fantastic Virtual Tour that feels so real.
I imported the Matterport Pro1 in October 2015, likely one of the first providers in Germany. The package was compelling: for $49 monthly, you could record three models with up to 100 positions and host 100 models. Additional credits were available for $19, with small models needing 1 credit and larger ones 2 credits.
The Matterport Pro2
Released on June 15, 2017, the Pro2 brought significant improvements in recording quality. Resolution increased from 32 MP to about 134 MP per panorama. New features included zoom capability, high-resolution snapshots, and 360Views for outdoor shots.
The Pro2 laid the foundation for Cortex AI development, enabling the integration of image information into 3D model creation and opening the platform to third-party devices.
The New Pro3 Camera
What's New About the Pro3?
In short - basically everything.
- Design: Slimmer, significantly smaller, and lighter.
- Batteries: Replaceable batteries (2-3 hours each) instead of one large 8-hour battery.
- Optics: New lens with 1-inch sensor (20 MP) for 134 MP panoramas, created with just 4 shots in 5x HDR.
- Speed: Faster recording process - under 20 seconds per scan point.
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LiDAR: Built-in laser technology enabling:
- Ceiling heights up to 25 meters
- 3D outdoor shots without light sensitivity issues
- Better 3D scan data quality
- Greater distances between scan positions
The New Matterport Cloud Platform
Key New Features
Guided Tours
Enhanced storytelling capabilities with headlines and explanatory texts for each position.
Guided Tags
New search functionality and day-to-day navigation through the showcase.
Matterport Views
Enterprise-focused feature allowing definition of user groups with customized tour content access.
Showcase Streaming
The new cloud platform introduces streaming technology, removing previous limitations on model size and detail. This enables theoretically unlimited showcase sizes!
Enhanced Cortex AI
5x greater range in the new cloud, enabling full capture of ceiling heights even with 360° cameras.
Conclusion & Outlook
The Pro3 represents a significant leap forward with its outstanding image quality and incomparably fast scanning processes. Combined with the new cloud platform's streaming capabilities, it brings us closer to true metaverse applications.
However, a note of caution: The Pro3 demands experienced operators who understand Matterport thoroughly. Its effectiveness in the AEC sector compared to Leica lasers remains to be seen.
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