Now that we finally have the Oculus Rift Touch controllers, VR gaming is going to become even more interactive.
However, based on a video released by Oculus on Monday, the best use of the controller's touch may turn out to be Medium, a software tool from Oculus that lets you create with digital clay in virtual reality.
In the video, we first see a user sketching their idea using an Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro. The user then takes the concept from that sketch and recreates it in Medium, constructing a 3D character in VR using layers, lighting effects, and stamp tools.
Later, the user saves the character to a model collection in Medium 3D, downloads a file, and then prints their creation with a standard 3D printer (a capability similar to what Sketchfab offers today.)
And instead of a VR art tool like Google's Tilt Brush for the HTC Vive, which mostly delivers a rough (though excellent) sketch of ideas and elements, Medium seems to draw smoother, more controlled images and shapes, resulting in 3D models that look more complete and ready to use.
In short, it looks like someone took a basic version of Autodesk Maya and Photoshop and ported them to VR, potentially offering a radical change in how 3D artists will work in the future.
Oculus gave us an early look at Medium a few months ago, but this latest beta is much more detailed and compelling.
It's too early to say exactly how groundbreaking this tool is without full testing, but if the video lives up to its promises, Tilt Brush may just be outdone. Medium is available now on the Oculus App Store for $29.99.
