Google Blocks App Brings DIY OBJ To All

This week the folks at Google have created a new system for digital object creation called Blocks. This Google Blocks system allows the user to span the virtual universe with their creations in a way never before possible – at least not with this user interface. And before you ask, no, it's not just a new name for Minecraft – it's a whole different ballgame.

The Google Blocks system works on several platforms. Actually just a couple, for starters – HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. That's one side of the equation. On the other side there's also a way to produce 3D objects for the virtual universe on many different devices – like the iPhone and Android phones alike. All you've got to do is export.

As long as the user can put a VR headset on and use its controllers, Blocks is easy enough to use. This application was made to be simple at the same time as it is powerful. This system "[starts] with a simple set of shapes, a color palette, and an intuitive set of tools," with which you're able to "naturally and quickly create almost anything you can imagine, from a piece of watermelon to a whole forest scene."

Once an object is made in Blocks, it can be exported as an OBJ file. This object file can be used in a wide variety of ways, including – first and foremost – plopping in a VR or AR app, if you're a developer. These Object files can also be shared to the web – shared through Google's VR objects console – or recorded as an animated GIF file.

Above you'll see an embedded OBJ made with Blocks and shared to Google's Blocks VR console. This could be you, too! The Blocks app from Google can be found on Steam and through the Oculus Store right this minute.