Matterport Capture Is Now Available For Android

Not long ago, Matterport introduced their 3D camera app for iOS that allows anyone to capture and share spaces with the iPhone in their pocket. Of course, that advancement left millions of Android users out in the cold or searching for other options. Now, Matterport has made a move toward including those Android aficionados with their new beta version of Matterport Capture for Android.

Virtual tours have fast become a go-to option as real estate agents adapt amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has prevented buyers from getting out to visit homes and preempted traditional events like in-person open houses. Even prior to the emergence of the coronavirus, buyers were likely to begin their home searches online. And as the market has shifted toward online marketing tools – social media, videos, virtual tours – buyers and sellers have come to enjoy anytime access to the homes they view online.

Matterport leads the way when it comes to capturing and indexing 3D spaces. In less than a decade, they have taken the concept of a virtual tour to ever-new realms. Their industry-leading online platform and Cortex AI software builds a digital twin of any space, indoors or out, that can be shared and viewed in a myriad ways. Matterport is a trusted name across industries ranging from travel and hospitality to architecture to facilities management, and many more, including (especially) real estate, where buyers believe 3D home tours are essential.

With Matterport, real estate agents have the option to feature a home, hold a virtual open house, showcase local attractions, and highlight their own business on Google Street View. A new partnership with the online rental marketplace, Zumper, has expanded reach into multi-family properties. Virtual tours of any property can be shared on a website, by email, and through social media channels.

When it comes to creating a 3D tour, images can be captured on any one of several compatible 3D cameras, including an iPhone. Those images are then uploaded to the Matterport web portal where they are processed quickly into a compellingly accurate 3D representation.

But not everyone is interested in purchasing a camera dedicated to 3D virtual tours, such as Matterport’s flagship camera, the Pro 2. And not everyone carries an iPhone in their pocket or purse.

Now, for the first time, faithful Android users who have felt left out – not only in the US, but particularly across Asia, Europe, and Latin America – have hope of another option.

Matterport has worked to bring the power of immersive 3D to a broader path of potential customers with the launch of their public beta version of Matterport Capture for Android. This is the first step in bringing 3D capture capabilities to Android devices. 

Capture for Android works in much the same way as the iOS version. You simply download the app from the Google Play Store onto your Android compatible smartphone or tablet and then pair it with a compatible camera. You control the scanning process and upload images through your phone and let Matterport do the rest.

While this beta version is being tested, Matterport is working to bring smartphone image capture capabilities to Android devices as well. That way, you can use the onboard camera to scan your spaces just as someone might with an iPhone.

For now with Capture for Android beta, you need a supported camera:

• Matterport Pro2 or Pro2 Lite
• Insta360 ONE X, ONE R, or ONE X2
• Ricoh Theta Z1, V, or SC2

Matterport continues to build on this list of cameras – including onboard Android cameras.

It is no secret that buyers, sellers and agents alike love 3D virtual tours. In fact, most customers prefer to work with agents who offer virtual tours. With tools like a Matterport digital twin you can future proof your business and attract more interest in your listings. And now, Matterport Capture for Android is here to help you do it a lot easier.