TikTok parent ByteDance is reportedly preparing an AI model that could let you create real-time spatial videos similar to Google Genie.
According to a Bloomberg report, ByteDance is readying an AI model dedicated to creating real-time spatial videos, which the company hopes will act as a “flywheel” to its various companies, including video streaming giant TikTok and its XR hardware subsidiary, Pico Interactive.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the report maintains founder Zhang Yiming is personally overseeing the development as it nears launch as soon as next month.
The AI model is thought to work similar to Google’s Genie, which not only generates interactive virtual environments in real-time, but also can simulate physical environments for AI agents.
Notably, Zhang reportedly sees the tech as a major component linking the company’s existing AI models and cloud computing resources with its content platforms and XR headset subsidiary, Pico Interactive.
The report maintains the model is being built on Seedance, the company’s AI model for generating cinematic videos.
There’s no word on timing outside of that “as soon as next month” window, however Pico delayed the reveal of its upcoming Apple Vision Pro competitor, Space Pro, due to “spend[ing] more time on a major upgrade to the software experience.”
It’s unclear whether ByteDance’s real-time spatial video model is the main reasoning behind the delay, or something else.
Speculatively speaking, Pico may also be facing issues as Valve upcoming Steam Frame standalone headset, which is primarily due to the ongoing global component shortage—seeing RAM, storage, and reportedly also now Qualcomm SoCs prices skyrocket.
The company says it will unveil Pico Space Pro sometime in Q4, so we’re hoping to learn more soon, as Q4 is due to officially start October 1st.
