3D Modeling Is Now on the Cloud

Launched last month at TechCrunch Disrupt New York, Sunglass is a new web-based app that brings 3D modeling to the browser. Developed by a team from MIT led by Kaustuv DeBiswas, Sunglass was built with HTML5 and WebGL and supports more than 40 file formats.

Though it's aimed at professional designers and architects, Sunglass is not meant to replace 3D modeling software completely. DeBiswas says regular people without computer-aided design (CAD) training can tinker with it as well. According to him, “[It] is a product that's fluid enough that everyone from a kid doing a Marker Bot to a professional firm can use it.”

Sunglass also has some social features, which were included to attract new customers. Multiple users can collaborate on a project by simultaneously accessing a 3D model and making comments with a sketch tool or text or voice chat. Designers can embed their creations on their website, too. Backed by investors such as General Catalyst and Maynard Webb, Sunglass is free to use with paid add-ons.