Twin, developed by 1984 LLC, is a remarkable application designed for the Apple Vision Pro that allows users to create 3D models from real-world objects and bring them into the immersive digital world of visionOS. Imagine being able to visualize your desk, keyboard, or other personal items while fully immersed in a virtual environment. This is what Twin makes possible, transcending the boundaries between the physical and digital realms through photogrammetry.
The process to make these 3D models is refreshingly simple and straightforward. First, you use the Twin app on your Apple iPhone or iPad to scan the item you wish to digitize. Then, on your Apple Vision Pro, you can place the digital twin wherever you like. This seamless interoperability across devices is a standout feature, requiring only that you are logged into the same Apple ID on both the scanning and viewing devices.
One of the most notable aspects of Twin is its use of photogrammetry to create the 3D models. This ensures that the models retain their real-world size and proportions, providing a highly realistic digital representation of your objects. Whether you want to bring your favorite desk decor into your work environment or visualize your keyboard to see what you’re typing, Twin makes it possible, enhancing how you interact with your digital space.
Twin offers an array of features that not only make scanning and creating 3D models efficient but also add an element of fun and creativity. The models can be filtered to introduce new colorways or effects that wouldn’t be achievable in the real world, which is a feature that adds an entirely new dimension to how you can manipulate and enjoy your digital twins.
To create a 3D model using Twin, the app requires a device with LiDAR and an A14 Bionic chip or later, which includes any iPhone Pro released from 2020 onwards or an iPad Pro from 2021 onwards. The models created are stationary and must be placed manually over your real-world objects or anywhere within your digital environment, making them ideal for use as static elements in your spatial computing setup.
The user experience is further streamlined with automatic syncing of models between devices signed into the same Apple ID. This facilitates smooth transitions and continuous access to your 3D models regardless of which device you are using. The app also provides functionalities to search, sort, favorite, and rename your models, giving you the freedom to organize them to your liking.
Twin does come with certain limitations and prerequisites. The effectiveness of photogrammetry depends on the nature of the objects being scanned. It works best with solid, non-reflective, evenly lit objects that are smaller than four feet in any dimension. Objects that are transparent, shiny, monochromatic, or those that cast shadows may not be accurately scanned, limiting their usability within the app.
Twin Pro, the subscription service of the app, offers additional features such as the ability to place multiple models simultaneously in Vision Pro and to apply filters to your models. This subscription is flexible, allowing users to cancel at any time. Payment for the subscription is handled through your Apple ID, with automatic renewal settings that can be managed easily.
Customer reviews highlight the app’s user-friendly nature and its impressive capabilities. Users appreciate the ability to see their personal items in a Vision Pro environment and are particularly captivated by the filters that can be applied to their models. The app’s integration with VisionOS has been praised for its ease of use and expansive functionality, making it a compelling choice for anyone interested in enhancing their spatial computing experience.
Twin is a powerful and intuitive tool for creating and interacting with 3D models in a digital environment. Its use of photogrammetry to create lifelike digital twins and its seamless interoperability across Apple devices make it a must-have for Vision Pro users looking to bring elements of their physical world into their virtual one.
