How would you like to have a mini figurine of yourself? If you own a Kinect and download this app, you can.
Shapify.me is new app that allows you to create, and physically hold, a 3D-model of yourself. Think of it as a 3D selfie.
The new technology, which was developed by the Artec Group, follows a global trend at the moment of simplifying 3D printing. What this company did is quite clever; combine simplified 3D technology with the “œit“ thing of the moment – taking selfies.
It‘s premise is quite simple: Firstly, you have to download the app to your computer (the software supports both Mac and PC). Once that is done, connect it with your Kinect and let the device scan you. The Kinect will then slowly scan you, as you turn in a circle. It takes 8 shots of you from different angles in order to get a realistic representation of your body.
Once the scanning is done, your image will be sent to one of Shapify.me‘s 3D printers, where a mini version of yourself will eventually pop out. The model‘s scale is 1:20th of your height or approximately 5-7cm in length.
Gallery – Some 3D-selfies:
There is one snag, however. You can download the app for free, and scan yourself to your heart‘s content, but when it comes to physically printing the figurine, you‘ll have to pay $59. They do sweeten the deal though, by promising free shipping and delivery to your doorstep.
Shapify.me is currently only availbe to ship to the USA, Canada and Europe, although the company says they are planning on expanding world-wide soon – so perhaps South Africans will also get the chance to hod a mini version of themselves.
Shapify.me won‘t exactly change the world, but it could prove to be very entertaining and a novel idea for some. What it does get right, however, is perfectly combining two current trends into one, physical object.
