What's Happening?
The Khronos Group, a non-profit industry consortium known for managing OpenGL, Vulkan, and WebGL, has announced a release candidate for integrating Gaussian splatting into the glTF 3D format. This move aims to standardize the delivery of Gaussian splats within the widely adopted glTF ecosystem. Gaussian splatting allows for photorealistic 3D capturing of objects and environments using common devices like smartphones, which can be viewed in virtual reality. The integration into glTF, often referred to as the 'JPEG of 3D,' is expected to facilitate the sharing and viewing of 3D models across various platforms. The extension is currently in a release candidate phase, with feedback being sought from developers and artists before formal ratification,
expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Why It's Important?
The integration of Gaussian splatting into the glTF format is significant as it addresses the challenge of sharing 3D models, which has lagged behind 2D media formats. By standardizing this process, Khronos is paving the way for more widespread adoption of 3D content, similar to how Instagram and TikTok revolutionized photo and video sharing. This development could lead to a surge in 3D content creation and sharing, impacting industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality. It also provides developers with the confidence that their 3D models can be shared across different platforms, reducing the risk of fragmentation in the industry.
What's Next?
The Khronos Group is inviting feedback from engine developers, creators, and artists to test the Gaussian splatting extension before its formal ratification. Companies like Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Huawei, Niantic Spatial, and Nvidia have already contributed to the extension. The specification is designed to be extensible, allowing for future additions as Gaussian splatting techniques evolve. A standard compression approach is yet to be defined, which is crucial for making Gaussian splatting efficient on mobile devices. The formal ratification of the extension is targeted for the second quarter of 2026.
Beyond the Headlines
The move to integrate Gaussian splatting into the glTF format represents a shift from traditional mesh-based graphics to a new form of 3D graphics representation. Gaussian splats treat scenes as dense clouds of volumetric data points, allowing for the capture of complex geometries and realistic lighting effects. This could lead to more lifelike 3D graphics in various applications, enhancing user experiences in virtual and augmented reality environments. The standardization of this technology within the glTF ecosystem could also drive innovation and creativity in 3D content creation.
