- Google is almost running out of AR/VR projects.
- Poly was introduced as a 3D creation tool optimized for virtual reality.
- The service will shut down on June 30, 2021.
Google is almost running out of AR/VR projects to kill off.
The company announced today in an email to Poly users that they will be shutting down the 3D-object creation and library platform “forever” next year. The service will shut down on June 30, 2021, and users won’t be able to upload 3D models to the site starting April 30, 2021.
Poly was introduced as a 3D creation tool optimized for virtual reality. Users could easily create low-poly objects with in-VR tools.
The software was designed to serve as a lightweight way to create and view 3D assets that could in turn end up in games and experiences, compared to more art and sculpting-focused VR tools like Google’s Tilt Brush and Facebook’s (now Adobe’s) Medium software.
Why has Google discontinued most of the company’s AR/VR play?
Google has already discontinued most of the company’s AR/VR plays, including most notably their Daydream mobile VR platform.
The AR/VR industry’s initial rise prompted plenty of 3D-centric startups to bet big on creating or hosting a library of digital objects. As investor enthusiasm has largely faded and tech platforms hosting AR/VR content have shuttered those products, it’s less clear where the market is for this 3D content for the time being.
Users that have uploaded objects to Poly will be able to download their data and models ahead of the shutdown.
What is Poly 3D?
Poly is a website created by Google for users to browse, distribute, and download 3D objects. It is intended to allow creators to easily share and access 3D objects. It features a free library containing thousands of 3D objects for use in virtual reality and augmented reality applications.
On December 2nd, 2020, it was announced that Poly would be shutting down on the 30th of June 2021. Also, the ability to upload 3D models to be suspended on the 30th of April of the same year.
