Introduction

In an exciting development for digital creators, the 3D design app Rooms has secured a significant $1 million investment from Google. Launched in beta in 2023 by a team of former Google employees, Rooms empowers users to create and program interactive 3D spaces and mini-games. This app features an extensive library of over 10,000 items, which can be manipulated using the Lua programming language, making it versatile for both artists and budding coders alike.

Google Partnership and Investment

The investment by Google, not through its investment arm GV, comes as part of a strategic partnership granting Rooms early access to Google's Gemini AI technology. This collaboration is poised to enhance the user experience significantly.

Founders and User Experience

Founded by visionaries Jason Toff, Bruno Oliveira, and Nick Kruge, who have expertise in fields such as AR/VR and gaming, Rooms delivers a somewhat playful experience reminiscent of TikTok's vertical browsing but tailored for 3D space exploration. Users can craft their own 'rooms' that not only showcase their creativity but also allow others to remix these creations, fostering a community of digital artists.

User Projects and Growth

As the app matures, user projects are evolving from simple environments to dynamic storytelling experiences. A notable user, eodqueen, began by constructing standard rooms and progressed to elaborate spaces infused with animation and interactivity, a trend that reflects the growing capabilities of the platform.

Latest Updates and Features

The latest update, version 3.0 launched on November 26, 2024, introduced an innovative Actions editor, allowing users to animate their rooms without delving into complex coding. Furthermore, Rooms plans to incorporate text-to-speech features using the Gemini technology, thus broadening narrative possibilities within the app. Users will be able to select from various emotional tones for characters, enhancing the storytelling experience with options such as angry, happy, or bored, adding depth to user-created narratives.

Milestones Achieved

Things, Inc., the team behind Rooms, proudly announced surpassing the milestone of 1 million unique rooms crafted within the platform. Additionally, the inventory has expanded significantly, growing from 7,500 to over 10,000 items available for creators since April 2024.

User Statistics and Engagement

While the startup remains tight-lipped regarding current user statistics and engagement metrics, last year's growth brought the user base to a remarkable quarter of a million registered accounts. The $1 million funding round closed in December, and the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) structure indicates Google's potential for involvement in Rooms' forthcoming Series A funding.

Future Prospects

The future of Rooms is bright, as these enhancements and support from industry giants like Google could lead to endless possibilities for creators eager to explore and share their imaginative worlds. Stay tuned as this innovative platform continues to shape the future of 3D design!