The world of 3D capture hasn't just shifted — it has completely changed forever.
If you watched my latest video, you might have noticed something funny about the intro. I wasn't standing in a hallway — I was standing inside a 3D model. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era in spatial computing, moving away from the triangles and polygons of traditional photogrammetry and stepping into the photorealistic world of Gaussian Splats.
In this post, I'm breaking down the technology that makes this possible, reviewing the hardware I used (the XGRIDS PortalCam), and showing you how to turn raw data into a business-ready deliverable using Splat Labs.
Plus, I've got a massive announcement about how you can get this hardware and a year of software for free. Let's jump into it.
Watch the Full Review
If you haven't seen the footage yet, you have to see it to believe it. Check out the full breakdown on the channel:
The Tech: What is a Gaussian Splat?
For decades, 3D models were built using photogrammetry. This process takes photos and stitches them together using triangles and polygons. It's great for geometry, but terrible for fine details. Things like hair, tree leaves, chain link fences, and reflective surfaces often turn into a melted, glitchy mess.
Gaussian Splatting is different.
Instead of a mesh of triangles, imagine the 3D scene is made up of millions of 3D "brushstrokes" or splats. This AI-driven process takes images and converges them into a model that looks indistinguishable from a video recording.
- Thin details render perfectly: Grass, wires, and text on walls are crisp.
- Reflections work: You can see light bouncing off floors and windows.
- It feels real: It doesn't look like a video game — it looks like reality.
The Hardware: XGRIDS PortalCam Review
To capture the footage in the video, I used the PortalCam by XGRIDS. We're calling it the "Gaussian-ator 3000" around the office, but officially, it's a powerhouse.
Key Specs & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the build quality is impressive. It features a robust aluminum housing that feels premium in the hand.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~2 lbs (Super lightweight for handheld scanning) |
| Sensors | 4 cameras (2× Fisheye + 2× Front) + LiDAR sensor |
| LiDAR FOV | 180° × 180° |
| Storage | 512GB built-in |
| Battery | Up to 60 minutes of continuous scanning |
The Workflow
The capture process is ridiculously simple. I mounted my iPhone to the back (using the LCC app that gives you a real-time point cloud view as you walk) and just started walking. I scanned a warehouse, an office, and the exterior of a building.
Unlike complex laser scanners that require tripods and long wait times, the PortalCam allows you to walk at a normal pace. It captures the writing on the walls, the texture of the floor, and the complex geometry of overhead pipes without breaking a sweat.
(Note: Just make sure your phone mount is tight... I had a minor "phone vs. gravity" incident in the warehouse. The camera survived; my pride is recovering!)
The Software: Splat Labs Cloud Platform
Capturing the data is only half the battle. Historically, Gaussian Splats were huge files that were hard to share. You needed a high-end gaming PC just to view them.
That's why Splat Labs exists.
Splat Labs is a cloud-based solution where pros can host, view, measure, and share splats with clients instantly — no software installation required. Here's what we did with the PortalCam data inside Splat Labs:
Explore the Actual Scan
This is the Saltbox Denver space I captured with the PortalCam. Navigate around — click and drag to move through the space yourself:
1. Seamless Portals
We stitched the exterior scan, the office scan, and the warehouse scan together using Splat Labs' Portals feature. You can literally "walk" from the street, through the front door, and into the back of the warehouse in one continuous shot. It feels like a cohesive video game level.
2. AI Floor Plans
Using the generative AI features in Splat Labs, we turned the 3D splat into a clean, professional 2D floor plan instantly.
AI Editing: In the video, the AI initially identified a room incorrectly. I simply typed, "Remove the toilet from this room," and boom — the AI updated the floor plan in seconds. That's the power of AI-powered floor plan generation.
3. AI Virtual Staging
This is a game-changer for real estate. The office I scanned was a bit sterile — very "tech startup." Using Splat Labs' AI Virtual Staging tool (powered by Gemini AI), I prompted it to redesign the lobby with an "Arizona Desert Modern" theme.
It replaced the shelving with a desert mural, added succulents, changed the furniture, and created a whole new vibe — all without leaving the browser. Visualize renovations before they happen.
4. Precision Measurements
We verified measurements right in the browser. I measured floor tiles to check dimensions. This isn't just a pretty picture — it's usable data for construction and architecture.
Exclusive Deal: Buy PortalCam, Get Splat Labs FREE
We want to provide the best end-to-end solution for 3D capture professionals. That's why Rock Robotic / Splat Labs has partnered with XGRIDS to offer an exclusive bundle you can't get anywhere else.
When you buy a PortalCam directly from Splat Labs, you get a 1-Year Starter Plan ($144 value) for FREE.
The Packages
XGRIDS PortalCam Standard Package — Starting at $4,999
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| PortalCam Unit | ×1 |
| Battery | ×1 |
| Phone Mount | ×1 |
| Tripod | ×1 |
| Splat Labs Starter Plan | 1 Year FREE |
XGRIDS PortalCam Premium Package — Starting at $6,499 ⭐ MOST POPULAR
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| PortalCam Unit | ×1 |
| Battery | ×2 (Double your scan time) |
| Phone Mount | ×1 |
| Tripod | ×1 |
| Splat Labs Starter Plan | 1 Year FREE |
What's Included in the Free Software Plan?
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Active Projects | 5 |
| Unlimited Sharing | ✓ |
| Precise Measurements | ✓ |
| Distance & Area Calculations | ✓ |
| Splat Movie Creation | ✓ |
| VR Viewer Support | ✓ |
| Embed on Zillow, MLS, any website | ✓ |
Need more power? If you're a power user needing 50+ projects, contact our sales team for exclusive discounts on Business plans when you buy hardware.
The Verdict
We are on a quest for the perfect 3D model, and with Gaussian Splatting and the PortalCam, we have never been closer. The ability to capture a site in minutes and share a photorealistic, measurable digital twin instantly is going to revolutionize real estate, construction, and historical preservation.
Ready to start splatting?
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Disclaimer: Prices may vary by region. Visit splatlabs.ai for the most up-to-date pricing and availability.
