Insta360 has announced the upcoming release of its Spatial Capture feature, which transforms recorded 360-degree footage into fully explorable 3D scenes. According to reports from The Gadgeteer, the new capability is scheduled to roll out in the United States on September 28, 2026. The technology will support the Insta360 X6, alongside backward compatibility for the X5 and X4 Air models. The standard bundle for the Insta360 X6 is priced at $699.99 on Amazon.
Insta360 Introduces Spatial Capture for 3D Scene Generation
The rollout coincides with the opening of Insta360’s first North American flagship store located at 1515 Broadway in Times Square, where visitors can test out the feature on the X6, as detailed by The Gadgeteer. Redsharknews.com noted that the launch occurs alongside the company establishing its retail presence in the United States.
How 3D Gaussian Splatting Reconstructs Environments
Spatial Capture relies on 3D Gaussian Splatting, commonly referred to as 3DGS, to reconstruct real-world environments from captured imagery. Traditional 3D reconstruction methods have typically required users to capture a space from multiple angles using specialized capture setups and complex software. Because cameras like the X6 record surroundings in every direction simultaneously, the system gathers multiple viewpoints along a user’s walking route without requiring repeated manual repositioning.
The resulting interactive scenes give viewers complete control over where to look and move. Finished scenes can be explored utilizing touch controls, a virtual joystick, or a mobile device’s built-in gyroscope. Additionally, users can apply visual effects, construct custom camera paths, export the finished work as a traditional video, or share an interactive link that allows other individuals to explore the environment without needing to download a separate file or application.
App-Based Workflow and Cloud Processing
The capture process requires specific shooting techniques to ensure optimal results. Tutorials recommend starting with the camera attached to a selfie stick held overhead, walking steadily back and forth while keeping neighboring paths no more than 2 meters (approximately 6.6 feet) apart. Users are then advised to lower the camera to chest height to capture lower details and key points of interest.
Recorded footage for Spatial Capture is limited to a maximum of two minutes, though longer video files can be trimmed directly within the application before processing. To generate a 3D scene, users update the Insta360 app, connect their compatible camera, navigate to the Album, select Spatial Capture, and tap generate.
Processing takes place entirely within the cloud, typically requiring one to two hours to complete. Users are permitted to close the application while processing occurs and will receive a notification once the 3D scene is finalized and ready for viewing.
Free Usage Tiers and Creative Applications
Insta360 provides users with an allowance of up to four free 3DGS scene generations each month, giving owners of compatible hardware an opportunity to experiment with the technology before incorporating it into regular creative routines. Information regarding the exact pricing structure for scene generations exceeding this monthly cap has not yet been announced.
The technology offers practical utility across multiple industries. Artists can document physical exhibitions so that individuals who missed an installation can still explore how artworks occupied a room. Similarly, studios and commercial venues can provide immersive introductions to their physical locations, while small businesses can capture stores and workspaces without needing specialized professional gear or traditional workflows.