Meta Unveils Hyperscape: Turning Real-World Spaces into Photorealistic VR Environments
At the 2025 Meta Connect developer conference, Meta made a significant leap forward in virtual reality technology with the launch of Hyperscape, a platform designed to convert real-world spaces into immersive, photorealistic virtual environments. The announcement, delivered during Wednesday’s keynote, marks one of the company’s largest metaverse updates alongside the debut of new smart glasses and other VR content.
Hyperscape Capture: Bringing Reality Into Virtual Reality
Hyperscape Capture, now available in Early Access, enables users with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices to scan physical rooms within minutes. After a brief capture process, the technology renders a digital replica of the space, allowing for an immersive VR experience that closely mirrors the real-world environment. While the initial scan takes only a few minutes, Meta notes that rendering the high-quality 3D model can take several hours.
Currently, users can create these virtual spaces for personal use, though Meta plans to introduce the ability to share them with others via private links, expanding social connectivity within these digital realms.
Showcasing High-Profile Spaces
Meta has already demonstrated Hyperscape’s capabilities by creating digital replicas of several high-profile locations. These include celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s home kitchen in Los Angeles, Chance the Rapper’s House of Kicks sneaker collection, The Octagon at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and Happy Kelli’s room filled with her popular Crocs shoes. These examples highlight Hyperscape’s potential for applications ranging from entertainment and gaming to virtual real estate and fan engagement.
Advanced Technology Underpinning Hyperscape
First demoed at last year’s Connect conference, Hyperscape leverages advanced techniques such as Gaussian Splatting, cloud rendering, and streaming technology to bring photorealistic environments to life on VR headsets. The rollout for general users aged 18 and above will be gradual, with initial availability limited to owners of Meta’s latest Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices.
Additional Metaverse Enhancements Announced
Beyond Hyperscape, Meta announced several other metaverse enhancements during the event. A fresh lineup of VR games is set to launch this fall, featuring titles such as Marvel’s Deadpool VR, ILM’s Star Wars: Beyond Victory, Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked, and Reach. Additionally, Meta’s Horizon TV streaming app will expand its offerings by incorporating Disney+ content, including ESPN and Hulu, for subscribers.
In a new collaboration with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, the platform will host horror films like “M3GAN” and “The Black Phone,” enhanced with immersive special effects. Fans will also be able to experience a limited-time 3D clip of the upcoming “Avatar: Fire and Ash” film within the VR environment.
Looking Ahead
Meta’s Hyperscape initiative represents a major step toward blending the physical and virtual worlds, opening new possibilities for creators, developers, and users to engage with their surroundings in innovative ways. As the technology evolves and sharing capabilities expand, Hyperscape could redefine how people connect and interact within the metaverse.
For those interested in exploring the forefront of VR and startup innovation, TechCrunch’s Disrupt 2025 event, taking place in San Francisco from October 27-29, promises to deliver further insights and networking opportunities with leading figures in technology and venture capital.
Contact and Further Information
TechCrunch Consumer News Editor Sarah Perez covers this story. For inquiries, contact sarahp@techcrunch.com or reach out via Signal at sarahperez.01. © 2025 TechCrunch Media LLC. All rights reserved.
