Frame vs Zapworks Studio

Frame is a browser-based platform for building private or public virtual spaces for businesses, schools, organizations, and communities. Its collaborative tools include spatial voice chat, translated text chat, whiteboards, webcam and screen sharing, shared browsers, and live co-editing. A drag-and-drop editor accepts 3D models, 360 photos and videos, images, video, PDFs, streaming screens, shaders, particle systems, buttons, and proximity triggers. AI options include image and skybox generation, GPT-powered chat, AI NPCs, translation in 30 languages, and speech-to-text captions. A Frame can hold up to 300 people; larger spaces up to 1,000 may be possible with suitable settings and support contact. It runs in desktop, mobile, and VR browsers without downloads. The mobile guide recommends Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android, but notes that mobile lacks screen sharing and laser pointers. The listed tiers are $10, $50, and $200 per month, alongside a free trial; educators can get a 50% discount.

Zapworks Studio lets designers and developers create customizable augmented, virtual and mixed reality experiences for print, products, packaging, retail and events. It supports image, face and world tracking, along with static and animated 3D models in GLTF/GLB, FBX, OBJ and POD formats. Animation tools support expressive movement, and dynamic lighting works with a range of light sources and materials. Studio Actions let non-developers trigger functions in response to events without writing code; JavaScript scripting supports more complex projects. The product page describes FBX, OBJ and POD support as a way to fit existing workflows. Every plan includes unlimited projects, although project size, views, target images and permitted use differ by plan. Developer is for non-commercial use; Pro starts at $315 a month for commercial use. Zapworks offers a 14-day trial and describes Mattercraft as Studio’s successor, recommending it to newcomers to the tool suite. Studio runs on Windows 7 or later and macOS Yosemite or later. Zapworks says uploaded content is stored on AWS servers in Ireland and encrypted in transit and at rest.