Varjo Launches Teleport: Revolutionizing 3D Scanning for Enterprises with Smartphone-Based Service
Varjo, a company known for high-end XR headsets, has launched a new app called Teleport. This smartphone-based 3D scanning service is designed for enterprise users. It allows them to quickly create photorealistic environments. Users can capture real-world locations in just 5 to 10 minutes, which is much faster than traditional methods.
The app supports iPhones and iPads that run on iOS 17 or later. This includes devices from the iPhone XR and newer, as well as the 8th generation iPad and newer.
Once captured, the “digital twins” can be viewed on phones, PCs, or explored using Varjo’s XR headsets and other major PC VR headsets. The 3D models are processed in the cloud and then rendered on the device. This means an Internet connection is needed only for the initial download of the model, not for exploration.
The service is priced at $30 per month. Varjo is offering a seven-day free trial of Teleport. Users can also access a variety of captures for free through a web viewer and the highest-quality captures via a desktop client.
How does Teleport compare to existing 3D scanning solutions on the market?
Interview with Timo Toikkanen, CEO of Varjo, on the Launch of Teleport
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you for joining us, Timo. Varjo has recently launched Teleport. Can you explain what inspired the development of this app?
Timo Toikkanen: Thank you for having me. The inspiration behind Teleport came from a clear need in the enterprise sector for a faster, more efficient way to create realistic 3D environments. Traditional 3D scanning methods can be quite time-consuming and expensive, which hinders rapid iteration in design and development. We wanted to streamline this process for our users, allowing them to capture real-world locations in just a few minutes.
NewsDirectory3.com: That’s impressive. Can you elaborate on how Teleport works and what makes it stand out from existing solutions?
Timo Toikkanen: Teleport leverages the advanced capabilities of modern iPhones and iPads running iOS 17 or later. Users can simply point their device at a location, and in a matter of 5 to 10 minutes, they can create a photorealistic 3D model. The unique aspect of our app is that it not only captures these locations quickly but also processes the data in the cloud. This means users can easily access the rendered models on their devices without needing a continuous Internet connection during exploration.
NewsDirectory3.com: Can you tell us more about the pricing model and the availability of a trial version?
Timo Toikkanen: Certainly! Teleport is priced at $30 per month, and we’re offering a seven-day free trial so users can experience the app firsthand. Additionally, we provide access to a variety of 3D captures for free via a web viewer, and users can get the highest-quality captures through a desktop client.
NewsDirectory3.com: Varjo has raised significant funding recently. How will this impact the development of Teleport and your other XR solutions?
Timo Toikkanen: Yes, we’re excited about the support we’ve received, especially from new investors like Beyond Capital and NVIDIA. While I can’t share the specific funding amount, our total lifetime funding has reached approximately €180 million. This financial backing will allow us to accelerate the development and adoption of our XR solutions, including leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance the blending of real and virtual environments, which is crucial for our industrial clients.
NewsDirectory3.com: Speaking of competition, Meta is reportedly working on a similar app, Horizon Hyperscape. How does Varjo plan to differentiate itself in a growing market?
Timo Toikkanen: Our focus will remain on the enterprise sector. While consumer-facing applications like Horizon Hyperscape may gain traction, we are dedicated to providing robust solutions tailored for industrial use cases. Teleport is designed to meet the specific needs of enterprise users, accelerating productivity and enhancing workflows. Our commitment to quality, combined with sophisticated features that leverage our XR technology, will help us stand out in this market.
NewsDirectory3.com: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of XR technology in enterprises, and how does Teleport fit into that vision?
Timo Toikkanen: I see XR technology playing an integral role in the future of various industries, enabling better design, training, and collaboration. Teleport is just the beginning; it’s a tool that empowers users to create immersive environments quickly, which can profoundly influence how they conduct business. As we continue to innovate and refine our offerings, we aim to lead the way in making XR solutions a standard component of enterprise operations.
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you, Timo, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how Teleport will impact the enterprise landscape.
Timo Toikkanen: Thank you for having me!
The launch of Teleport comes with an expansion of Varjo’s Series D funding. New investors include Beyond Capital, Nishikawa Communications, and NVIDIA. While the company has not disclosed the funding amount, it states that its lifetime funding has reached approximately €180 million (about $188 million USD). This funding will help Varjo speed up the adoption of its XR solutions in industrial applications. CEO Timo Toikkanen noted that the company will use AI and machine learning to blend real and virtual environments, improving productivity for industrial clients.
Meanwhile, Meta is developing a similar product called Horizon Hyperscape. This consumer-facing app will let users scan a room with their phones and recreate it. However, further details about its rollout are not yet available.