Perhaps Google themselves will venture into this area. After all, they already have their sophisticated search algorithms and basic framework in place to extend their search to other areas. Oftentimes, however, the giants within a field do not have the foresight to expand their scope to cover new market segments in an intuitive fashion. This is where the smaller players could come in. Two weeks ago, we profiled a startup called 3DShapes which is working on a technology to allow users to search for 3D models based on particular shapes of objects. It’s certainly a unique approach to search, which could catch the giants like Google off guard.

With that said, it may just be a refined, simple search experience, capable of connecting with the largest file repositories on the net, which becomes the de facto 3D model search engine. Recently a new search engine called Yobi3D emerged on the scene. It’s simplistic approach makes searching for a 3D model fun, and surprisingly it’s quite accurate and comprehensive for its age.

A simple search for ‘paper clip’, something you wouldn’t really guess would turn up much, brought up a variety of results taken from model repositories such as Turbosquid, Active3D.net, and Gradcad.

Once a 3D model is found, the user can click on it and immediately be presented a web platform which allows for the full rotation of that object, as well as the ability to zoom in or out. Users can then easily click on the source link of the model to be taken to a page where that model can quickly be downloaded.

“I was really amazed with how mature web browsers have become in rendering 3D graphics,” says Jessy Lee, the search engine’s founder and CEO. “We are still developing our technology and finding more potential users,” Lee says.

As the market develops, it will be those companies which continue to develop their user interfaces, as well as their access to an extended number of file repositories, who will ultimately succeed… or at least get bought out by a Google, Yahoo, or Microsoft.

Either way, Yobi3D certainly is a useful website for those looking to find their next 3D printable model. Will it have what it takes to become a giant within the field, over the next few years? We will have to wait and find out. Let’s hear your thoughts on this new search engine in the Yobi3D forum thread on 3DPB.com.

Source: 3dprint.com

Alors que ce type de plateformes s’est largement développé ces derniers mois, offrant des librairies entières d’objets utiles ou inutiles, d’accessoires pour la maison, de bijoux, de miniatures ou de jouets… la plupart gratuites ou certaines proposant des modèles certifiés en contrepartie de quelques euros, un nouveau site vient de voir le jour en espérant simplifier la recherche de fichiers 3D.

Yobi3D se présente comme le Google des fichiers 3D, un curateur des milliers de modèles mis à disposition sur le web que vous retrouverez en tapant le mot clef associé. A partir d’un navigateur compatible WebGL, vous aurez même la possibilité de visualiser, zoomer ou tourner à 360° autour de l’objet recherché.

Jessy Lee, CEO de Yobi3D explique « j’étais réellement impressionné par la maturité des navigateurs internet actuels et leur capacité en terme de rendu 3D. Nous continuons à développer notre technologie et à trouver davantage d’utilisateurs potentiels. » et confirme que la base de données de Yobi3D devrait continuer à grandir dans les mois à venir.

Source: Www.3dnatives.com