Spatial Internet Arrives: RP1 Unveils First Open Metaverse Browser

RP1 has launched what it describes as the world’s first metaverse browser, a software platform designed to deliver persistent, interactive 3D content directly to users via existing web infrastructure. This browser aims to establish an open ecosystem for spatial computing, enabling businesses to create immersive 3D locations for applications ranging from retail and training to digital twins and remote collaboration, accessible across virtual and physical spaces. Unlike current browser technology, RP1’s platform is designed for real-time volumetric experiences, enabling developers to deploy spatial software directly on their servers. This approach bypasses the need for app downloads and installations, offering an alternative to closed, proprietary 3D platforms. The company, recognised with awards including Innovation of the Year at the WebXR Awards 2023, intends this technology to function as a foundational layer for the spatial internet, connecting users with 3D content across a range of devices.

Spatial Internet and the Metaverse

RP1 has introduced software designed to facilitate access to spatial computing environments, positioning it as a foundational element for the developing spatial internet. This infrastructure moves beyond traditional web browsing by enabling users to interact with persistent 3D content delivered to augmented and virtual reality devices. The architecture supports a broad spectrum of applications, spanning education, commerce, digital twins, and remote operation in sectors like transportation and space exploration.

Industry commentary suggests RP1 offers a potentially scalable solution for content creators and brands seeking to establish a presence within extended reality (XR) and user-generated content gaming spaces. The emphasis on open protocols and web-like infrastructure aims to reduce friction and enable broader accessibility for developers. This core concept centres on an open ecosystem, contrasting with closed platforms, allowing developers and businesses to deploy spatial applications without requiring pre-compiled downloads or installations.

RP1 received recognition at industry awards, including the WebXR Awards 2023 and the VR Awards 2024, indicating growing interest in its technology. The company intends to demonstrate its platform at industry events such as AWE, providing a venue for developers and potential partners to explore its capabilities.

The company’s platform leverages real-time networking and a proprietary technology called Statabase to stream immersive 3D environments to a range of devices. RP1’s future development focuses on expanding the capabilities of its spatial computing infrastructure and fostering a wider ecosystem of applications. This approach addresses limitations of current browsers, which were not designed for the demands of real-time volumetric spatial experiences.

Jargon Explanation

• Extended Reality (XR): An umbrella term encompassing augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), representing all immersive technologies that blend the physical and digital worlds.
• Digital Twin: A virtual representation of a physical object or system, updated from real-world data.
• Volumetric Spatial Experiences: Immersive digital environments that users perceive as three-dimensional spaces, rather than two-dimensional screens.