In this episode, we will look at how VR is redefining the definition of “travel”:
- We will learn from Akin Bilgic, co-founder of Brink Traveler, about their secret for recreating spectacular natural locations and their AI guide
- A Free multiplayer traveling app that rivals the “original” Google Earth on PC
Interview with Akin Bilgic
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Brink Traveler and how you came up with the idea?
Akin Bilgic: The idea for Brink Traveler came from our love of exploring and experiencing nature. We realized that travel is often limited to those with the time, money, and physical capability to do so. We wanted to make these beautiful places accessible to everyone, including those who might never have the chance to visit them in person. It's been incredibly rewarding to hear from people in hospital rooms or wheelchairs who can now experience these locations through our app.
What makes Brink Traveler different from other VR travel experiences?
Akin Bilgic: Brink Traveler stands out because we focus on creating fully immersive, photorealistic 3D environments using advanced photogrammetry and optimization techniques. We also implemented AI to allow users to ask questions about the locations they're visiting, making the experience more interactive and informative. Our goal is to make you feel like you're actually standing in these incredible places, not just looking at them.
How do you capture and create the detailed 3D environments featured in Brink Traveler?
Akin Bilgic: We start by traveling to each location and taking thousands of photographs using ground and aerial photography. Sometimes we use LiDAR for additional detail. We process these images with photogrammetry software to create high-resolution meshes and textures. Then, we use our own toolkit to optimize these assets for the mobile processors in VR headsets. This involves reducing polygon counts and texture sizes while maintaining as much detail as possible.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in optimizing these detailed environments for VR headsets?
Akin Bilgic: One of the biggest challenges was balancing detail with performance. VR headsets, especially mobile ones like the Quest, have limited processing power. We had to ensure our environments looked great without causing performance issues. This meant a lot of optimization work, including creating levels of detail that decrease complexity as you move away from the player and finding ways to stream data efficiently to minimize load times.
How do you decide which locations to include in Brink Traveler?
Akin Bilgic: We choose locations based on their natural beauty and significance. We want to showcase places that are visually stunning and offer unique experiences. We also consider accessibility and the ability to capture these locations in a way that translates well to VR. Each location needs to tell a story and evoke the emotions we felt while being there, which is why we spend a lot of time planning and scouting before we start capturing.
What have you learned about user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design in VR while developing Brink Traveler?
Akin Bilgic: We've learned that UI and UX are incredibly important in VR. A well-designed interface can significantly enhance the user's immersion and enjoyment. We spent a lot of time creating an interface that feels natural and intuitive, using elements like postcards, maps, and Polaroids to evoke the feeling of travel. This attention to detail helps users feel more connected to the experience and can make the difference between a good app and a great one.
What are some memorable reactions or feedback you've received from users of Brink Traveler?
Akin Bilgic: One of the most memorable pieces of feedback came from a user who was bedridden and thought they'd never see these places. They told us how much it meant to them to experience these environments in VR. We've also heard from users who appreciate the ability to visit crowded landmarks in peace and quiet, something that’s often impossible in real life. This kind of feedback reassures us that we're achieving our goal of making these places accessible to everyone.
Can you explain the role of AI in Brink Traveler and how it enhances the user experience?
Akin Bilgic: The AI in Brink Traveler allows users to ask any question about the location they're visiting and receive relevant answers. We integrated OpenAI's technology to provide this functionality. Users can interact with a virtual guide using a walkie-talkie interface, making the experience feel more personal and immersive. This feature helps users learn more about the locations in real-time and makes the experience more interactive and engaging.
What future developments or features can users look forward to in Brink Traveler?
Akin Bilgic: We're constantly working on improving Brink Traveler. In the near future, users can expect more locations, enhanced AI capabilities, and possibly new interactive elements to make the experience even more engaging. We're also exploring the potential of new hardware like the Vision Pro, which could allow us to push the boundaries of what's possible in VR. Our goal is to continue making Brink Traveler more immersive and accessible, bringing even more of the world's beauty to our users.
Check out the full interview right here 👇
Product Spotlight: Wooorld, travel experience for MR and VR
Wooorld let’s you explore the world alone or with friends.
It now has a free tier and besides visiting locations you can get tours curated by AI and mini games that let participants guess where they have been dropped solely based on the google street view image that surrounds them.
That’s it for today
See you next week
