Microsoft releases yet another homebrew app for Windows 8.1, this time it’s called, 3D Builder. As the name implies this is a 3D-printing application, which is set to help beginners to get into 3D printing using a Windows 8.1 PC and it also helps Microsoft to spread the word about the OS being capable of understating tridimensional objects out-of-the-box.

Previously the software giant talked about baking 3D printing support right into Windows 8.1 and the company even offered a video showing the operating system seamlessly understating various 3D file formats, just like if it was a traditional 2D printing file. Now with the 3D Builder app for Windows 8.1, Microsoft goes a step further to help users design, create, and print tridimensional objects without having to resource to third-party apps and drivers, which may or may not support the latest version of Windows.

As for how the app works, according to Microsoft, it has a clean and intuitive interface with a catalog of simple pre-made objects you can use, such as ornaments, toys, and more. My experience with app is something I will have to tell you later. I installed the 3D Builder in my PC, but it keeps crashing on launch, and I still have to figure out if this is a problem with the app itself or this is a problem with my Windows 8.1 installation.

Microsoft may have been playing catch up with search engine and smartphone, but it seems the company is just in time for 3D printing. Although, the technology still somewhat in the early stages, there is a lot of potential to go big, as prices for 3D printers has come down. If the demand for creating 3D objects keeps growing, this can be easily a market Microsoft could dominate. Until then, you can at least buy a $2,200 3D Printer to create a $0.50 spare part for your vacuum cleaner.

Details

  • Category: Lifestyle
  • Languages: English (USA)
  • Age Rating: 12+
  • Price: Free
  • Publisher: Microsoft
  • Download: Get it from the Windows Store

Supported architectures

  • x86/x64 (Windows 8.1)

Update: Microsoft released a new hands-on video, showcasing how the 3D Builder app works in Windows 8.1.