OpenBrush: where it's been, and where it's going
On Tuesday 24 September we had a casual townhall chat on X/Spaces with @andybak and @mikeskydev from OpenBrush. It was a fantastic discussion that kept giving for 2 hours! Here are some AI generated summaries, as well as the original recording.
A quick note on our use of AI: AI is a tool; the final accountability still rests with us. We hosted this conversation, we have listened to the summary, and read the highlights. We are confident in the raw data, and think the AI summaries are a decent snapshot, but not a 100% reflection. For a deepdive, the original recording is available, and please join us on Discord for a chat. Any issues, please get in touch!
A quick note on X/Spaces: We know it's gone bad. But it is still the best place we know of to have low-friction, larger reach conversations to draw more members. If you have better ideas, please join the conversation on Discord, #media channel.
14 minute summary in podcast format, Generated by NotebookLM AI based on the original recording:
Listen (original recording, 2 hours): https://x.com/i/spaces/1mnxeAnNoQnxX
Thread: https://x.com/open_metaverse/status/1838360714970374483
Open Brush App: https://openbrush.app/
Join the conversation on Discord: https://discord.gg/Wqt4ZC4zjF

[05:45] History and current status of Open Brush, an open source fork of Tilt Brush originally created by Google
[10:35] Integrating Open Brush with Google Blocks, which was also recently open sourced
[12:40] Developing Open Brush for Quest 2, working through some rendering/shader bugs
[14:00] Open Brush real-time interactive scripting API that allows creating new tools and capabilities
[15:50] Import/export pipelines and interoperability, using glTF as a core format
[18:15] Concerns about USD as a 3D format compared to glTF
[21:40] Open Brush WebGL port that is in progress
[24:50] Multiplayer support being worked on for Open Brush
[31:20] Icosa 3 Gallery project to replace Google Poly and host Open Brush and 3D model content
[36:00] Using Open Brush as a "whiteboarding" and brainstorming tool, especially with multiplayer
[1:27:00] Experimenting with using AI/Stable Diffusion to "re-render" Open Brush scenes based on the geometry
[1:35:00] Potential for WebXR development using Open Brush as an authoring tool
[1:38:30] Integration between Open Brush and Blender via glTF and grease pencil
[1:44:00] Dream textures and point cloud rendering as an alternative to traditional 3D modeling
[2:06:00] glTF extensions work being done by the OMI group to expand capabilities
Please note that these timestamps are approximate and the topics might be discussed at multiple points during the conversation.
Summary
The Open Metaverse Interoperability (OMI) group recently hosted a Twitter Space with the developer of Open Brush, an open-source fork of the popular VR painting application Tilt Brush, originally created by Google. The discussion delved into the current state and future of Open Brush, the importance of interoperability and open standards in the 3D creation space, and the exciting possibilities that arise from integrating Open Brush with other tools and platforms.
During the Twitter Space, the Open Brush developer shared insights into the ongoing development efforts, including Quest 2 support and the implementation of multiplayer functionality. The conversation also touched on the significance of interoperability and the use of glTF as a core format for 3D assets. The OMI group expressed their concerns regarding the USD format and highlighted the advantages of glTF, as well as the ongoing work on glTF extensions to expand its capabilities.
The Twitter Space also explored the potential integrations between Open Brush and other tools, such as Blender, through the use of glTF and grease pencil. Additionally, the participants discussed the possibilities of using Open Brush for WebXR development and the Icosa 3 Gallery project, which aims to replace Google Poly as a platform for hosting and sharing Open Brush creations and other 3D models.
One of the most exciting topics covered in the discussion was the experimentation with combining Open Brush and AI tools like Stable Diffusion to re-render scenes based on the generated geometry. The developer also mentioned the potential of using Open Brush as a "whiteboarding" and brainstorming tool, especially in a multiplayer setting. Other innovative approaches, such as dream textures and point cloud rendering, were discussed as alternatives to traditional 3D modeling.
The Twitter Space with the Open Brush developer highlighted the importance of open-source tools and interoperability in shaping the future of 3D creation. The OMI group encourages readers to explore Open Brush, join the community, and contribute to the development of open standards. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can unlock new possibilities and create a more accessible and interconnected 3D creation ecosystem.