Written by sCessions
There are 3 ways to enjoy Somnium Space: VR, 2D mode and via SomniumWEB. SomniumWEB is based on WebXR, which is a Javascript API that provides access to input and output capabilities commonly associated with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. In layman’s terms it implies that with SomniumWEB you can dive into Somnium Space parcels using a simple URL.
Even though Somnium Space is a VR first company, they take this WebXR entry point very serious, which is one of the reasons I often use it for the club (The Bassment, parcel 4730) that I run. And to catapult us into the new year Somnium recently announced a really cool new feature: Animated media GIFs inside the SomniumWEB client.
I tested it at my club and it is awesome.
Placing GIFs Using The Builder
Before you can see animated GIFs, you first need to place them on your parcel using the Builder. It is beyond the scope of this article to go into much detail, but in the Builder you can place a whole range of objects; from basic shapes to furniture, TV screens and 360 degree media objects. You can also place a more simple Media object, which is typically used to display a JPG image. Or a GIF.
Most people know that GIFs can be animated. Many have used such animated GIFs already (by linking to an externally hosted GIF). They were perfectly visible in VR and 2D mode, but not in SomniumWEB. Until now. Why this means a lot for the SomniumWEB client can be seen in the video below.
The animated GIFs add a lot of depth and perception. You can scale, move and rotate them like any item and it allows those who enter Somnium Space via SomniumWEB to really enjoy all the parcel owner’s imaginative creations.
For example, use this new feature to extrapolate a business logo scaled to the skyline or use it to display a repeating image of Rick Astley dancing and calling out for his love. Check out the awesome world of GIFs using websites like Giphy, Gif Bin, Tumblr, and many others. If you have a link to a GIF it can more than likely be used in SomniumWEB.
Third Party GIF Manipulation
What’s a lot of fun as well is manipulating GIFs through a third-party program. Here you can add spinning animation, vortex, spherical aspect ratio, warping, or any other animation to your media file.
Above all, Somnium gives us the tools and options to be creative. Bit by bit we are leaving our pre-existing physical and mental constructs and limitations behind and learn that we can be like kids again. That we, once again, can learn by playing. We are given the means to express ourselves in totally new ways. It is not that GIFs haven’t been around. But viewing animated GIFs in a spatial world is a whole new story.
We’re curious how creative you will get with this new feature. Make sure to share your creations with us. And what is great about SomniumWEB as well? It has a build in Photo Mode, allowing you to shoot the most awesome footage of your work.
First Person View
Did you know that you can change to first person view in SomniumWEB? Just keep zooming into your avatar using your mouse wheel until you become one with your digital self. Zoom out to see your avatar once again.
SomniumWEB Backgrounds
Another (cosmetic) enhancement is the use of backgrounds. Depending on whether it is night or day on the SomniumWEB parcel, the background shifts, which actually looks really cool.
SomniumWEB has turned into a serious pillar on which this amazing VR world rests. Somnium keeps enhacing it to cater to people who may not own a VR headset or are on the move. Because you can enter SomniumWEB instantly from anywhere, using any device.
Want to check out animated GIFs? Go check out The Bassment at https://somniumspace.com/parcel/4730?elv=-0.33
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