Introducing Open Brush for Zapbox: Affordable Mixed Reality Art at Your Fingertips

Blog Author
5 min read
Out now – Zapbox for Open Brush brings a new realm of possibilities for novice artists and experienced illustrators alike.


Today, we’re beyond thrilled to introduce something truly groundbreaking in the world of mixed reality (MR) — the launch of Open Brush for Zapbox. This addition to the Zapbox family of apps marks a significant step in our journey to democratise MR technology and bring more affordable immersive content to everyone, everywhere. 

VR Rosie puts Open Brush on Zapbox through its paces. Read the full interview. 


The Magic of Open Brush on your iPhone

For those who want to create immersive 3D experiences for less, Open Brush is your new home of creativity. Originally conceived as the Open Source version of the popular VR painting tool Tilt Brush, Open Brush has now found a new, affordable home on Zapbox. This means that with just your iPhone and a Zapbox, you can dive into creating immersive art and 3D worlds without breaking the bank.

Open Brush offers a spectrum of artistic tools that transform your surroundings into a canvas of endless possibilities. Whether you're a novice artist or a seasoned illustrator, the simplicity and power of Open Brush on Zapbox opens up a new realm of creativity to everyone – no matter their technical background or budget. 

Illustrator and animator Anna Broadhurst experiments with Open Brush on Zapbox.

Why Zapbox?

For less than $100, Zapbox transforms your existing iPhone into an MR headset, offering a gateway to immersive experiences without the need for expensive, dedicated equipment. This approach not only makes advanced technology accessible but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices by leveraging the devices many already own.

Its unique open peripheral design also means you’re not disconnected from the world around you, enabling you to more seamlessly interact with digital content whilst remaining connected to people in the room.  It’s also super easy to set up, simply place your iPhone into the universal phone mount, and fire up the Open Brush app. There's no extended onboarding or invasive data collection, Zapbox enables quick and seamless access to immersive 3D experiences.

Zapbox transforms your iPhone into a mixed reality headset.


Features that spark creativity

The integration of Open Brush with Zapbox is not just about accessibility; it’s about providing a robust platform for creativity. 

Here are some highlights:

  1. Diverse Creative Tools: From detailed colour pickers to a variety of brush options, Open Brush lets you craft vibrant landscapes and intricate art.
  2. Teleportation and Manipulation: Move and view your creations from different perspectives with the teleport feature, or adjust the scale and orientation with intuitive controller inputs.
  3. Advanced Lighting: Fine-tune the mood and feel of your artwork using sophisticated lighting controls, adding depth and realism to your virtual creations.

    Getting started

    As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in MR, we invite you to join us. Whether you're an artist, an educator, or a tech enthusiast looking to explore new dimensions, Zapbox and Open Brush are your keys to a world where reality meets imagination.

    To get started, grab yourself a Zapbox and download the Open Brush app. Feel free to share your thoughts and creations with us over on Discord, and let's keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible together!

    Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to read our full interview with VR Rosie as she explores the capabilities of Open Brush on Zapbox.