M
atterport, a Sunnyvale-based 3D mapping firm, has unveiled several new features that utilize AI to simplify the process of showcasing homes online for residential agents. According to Preethy Vaidyanathan, vice president of product, Matterport's advanced data capture and generative AI capabilities enable real estate agents to work more efficiently and provide better results for clients.

    The company's latest additions include "auto-defurnish," which removes unwanted furnishings from listing pictures and 3D models, and "auto-description," an AI-powered feature that generates property descriptions. These features are now available to Matterport's over 1 million subscribers, primarily listing photographers.

    Matterport's auto-description feature stands out from existing solutions by considering the property layout, dimensions, and key features like fireplaces when generating descriptions. Agents can also use filters such as "aspirational" or "informative" to tailor the tone of their listings.

    The defurnish feature is unique in that it works in 3D, allowing users to explore unfurnished spaces. This technology will eventually be complemented by 3D virtual furniture and decor, which is currently in development.

    Other new Matterport AI features include automated detailed reports with room measurements and business card capabilities within virtual tours. These additions were developed in response to customer needs and took over a year of research and several months of development to prepare for release.

    Compass' Vice President of Northern California, Kevin Patsel, noted that while the brokerage's Compass AI tool can't declutter virtual spaces, it offers support for drafting automatic listing descriptions and designing marketing strategies. The firm has invested heavily in tech, spending over $1.5 billion in the last decade and continuing to allocate $100 million annually for research and development.

    Compass' Head of Engineering, Shay Artz, believes that the company's ongoing investment will lead to an internal AI experience that surpasses external solutions like Matterport. He expects Compass' AI to become increasingly personalized and offer unique insights that point solutions cannot match.