Simam AI Lab Our applied AI research division is now open. Visit the lab
Field notes from the studio

What we learned building it.

Notes on AI software, SaaS platforms, digital twins, Gaussian spatial apps, XR and the interactive systems we build for clients — written from delivery rather than from a content calendar.

60 articlesWritten by Junaid MalikUpdated continuously
The archive

Every article, by subject.

Search the full text of every piece, or narrow to the area you are working in.

An operations digital twin showing a hospital site in 3D with live capacity and resource panels
Voice AI · 02-09-2026

Giving an operations digital twin a voice, and doing it properly

A dashboard can tell you the state of the world. It cannot answer a question. Here is what it took to put a live voice assistant inside an operations twin: where the SDK seam should sit, why the API key must never reach the browser, and why grounding the answers was harder than the wiring.

An aerial Gaussian splat reconstruction of a parkland, sharp at the centre and softer towards the edges
Spatial intelligence · 02-09-2026

Spatial intelligence and generated worlds: what Atlas changes for people who ship 3D

World Labs announced Atlas on 1 September 2026 — a single model that generates, reconstructs and simulates 3D space. Here is what it actually does, what it outputs, and which parts of a working 3D or XR pipeline it changes now rather than eventually.

Controller interaction rays pointing at a miniature 3D racing circuit inside a VR scene
XR architecture · 31-08-2026

Modernising a legacy XR interaction stack without breaking production VR

A mature Unity XR project accumulates input systems the way an old house accumulates wiring. Here is how to modernise one incrementally, which layer to deliberately freeze, and why a single owner per transform turned out to matter more than the migration itself.

Multiple broadcast camera views displayed on virtual screens around a viewer inside a VR racing application
Immersive media · 31-08-2026

One decoder, many screens: multi-camera broadcast video on a standalone headset

Showing six live camera angles inside a VR headset does not mean decoding six video streams. Here is the mosaic architecture that makes it affordable on Quest hardware, and the validation problem it creates in exchange.

A live telemetry panel showing speed, gear and tyre temperatures beside broadcast camera feeds in VR
Real-time systems · 31-08-2026

Synchronising broadcast video and live telemetry: choose one clock and mean it

Video at 30fps, telemetry at 6Hz, UI per frame, networking whenever it feels like it. Five subsystems with five update rates only cohere if one of them is declared the authority. Here is why that authority should be media time.

A large curved virtual screen showing broadcast racing footage inside a VR environment
Quest performance · 31-08-2026

Why 8K video still looks soft on a Quest, and which lever actually helps

Source resolution, eye buffer resolution and angular resolution are three different things, and only one of them is what a viewer perceives. Here is where the pixels go on standalone hardware, and the order worth pulling the levers in.

A translucent telemetry panel layered in front of a curved video screen and environment geometry in VR
Mixed reality · 31-08-2026

It looks right in Unity and wrong on the headset: passthrough and the compositor

A mixed reality scene that renders perfectly in the editor and incorrectly on device is usually not a Unity bug. There are two render orders in play, not one, and the second belongs to the headset compositor.

A first-person driving simulation running on a desktop machine
Automotive · 27-08-2026

How automotive companies can use browser-based 3D before building a native XR app

The headset app is usually the second thing you should build. Here is what a browser build settles first, why most of its cost is asset work you would pay for anyway, and the five automotive jobs that pay back fastest on the web.

A volumetric capture of a performer playing inside a browser-based media player
Volumetric media · 27-08-2026

4D Gaussian splatting for business: where volumetric streaming actually adds value

A moving, photoreal scene you can walk around inside is a genuinely new medium. It is also the most expensive way to deliver almost anything. Here is the one question that decides whether it earns its cost, and the four places the answer is yes.

A captured city block reconstructed as an explorable spatial scene
Immersive media · 27-08-2026

Volumetric video vs 360 video vs real-time 3D: what should businesses choose?

Three media that get pitched as competitors and are not. The choice comes down to how much freedom the viewer needs and how often the content changes — and the expensive mistake is buying freedom nobody uses.

A 3D editing application running inside a web browser
Browser 3D · 27-08-2026

WebGPU, WebGL and WebXR: what business buyers actually need to know

Three names that get used as if they compete, and do not. Two are graphics APIs, one is a device API, and only one question about them belongs in your brief.

A collection of immersive browser experiences presented on a web page
Spatial computing · 27-08-2026

Why the browser is becoming a serious spatial computing platform

Four things that used to force an installed app have each been solved separately, and 2026 is the first year they are all true at once. What that changes, what it does not, and how to test the claim yourself in ten minutes.

A browser-delivered immersive experience running without an install
XR architecture · 27-08-2026

WebXR vs native XR: which is more cost-effective for enterprise projects?

The build cost is the part everyone compares, and it is rarely the part that decides. Here is where enterprise XR money actually goes, what each architecture is genuinely cheaper at, and the third option most comparisons still leave out.

A browser gallery of interactive 3D, XR and Gaussian-splat experiences
Cost guide · 27-08-2026

How much does a WebXR project cost in 2026?

Three tiers, what actually sits inside each one, and the seven factors that move the number more than anything on a feature list. With our published figures rather than a range invented to sound reassuring.

A browser-based 3D stadium viewer showing seat-level views of a venue
XR business case · 27-08-2026

The business case for WebXR: how to validate an XR idea before spending six figures

Most failed XR programmes did not fail at the build. They failed because nobody agreed in advance what evidence would justify the next stage. Here is the ladder, the four questions a prototype has to answer, and the kill criteria to write down first.

A detailed industrial digital twin of a factory environment
Cloud rendering · 27-08-2026

NVIDIA CloudXR for business leaders: stop optimising the digital twin for the headset

You have an enormous CAD, BIM or Omniverse environment and someone wants it on a Quest. The traditional answer is months of optimisation and a version your engineers do not recognise. There is now another one.

An operational digital twin platform running in a web browser
Cloud rendering · 27-08-2026

CloudXR vs local rendering: what should your digital twin run on?

Streaming from a server GPU trades a one-off optimisation cost for a permanent per-session one. Here is the arithmetic, with real hourly rates, and the three variables that decide it before fidelity ever comes up.

A browser-based 3D environment built in Unity and delivered as a WebGL build
Getting started · 26-08-2026

Building WebXR in Unity: yes, but not the way you expect

Unity has no official WebXR support, and it is still entirely possible. Here is what actually makes it work, the seven setup steps in order, and the secure-context trap that breaks Unity’s own Build And Run.

A browser page listing immersive WebXR experiences that open without an install
Getting started · 26-08-2026

How to start a WebXR project

The stack to pick, the one command that scaffolds a working project, how to test without a headset on your desk, and the five things to get right before the content arrives.

A browser-based 3D conference environment with an agenda, map and quick navigation panel alongside avatars in a branded hub
Virtual events · 25-08-2026

3D virtual events in 2026: when the environment earns its cost

The 2026 event data does not say what the 3D pitch assumes. Here is the gap a browser-based 3D event actually fills, what it costs to deliver, and the numbers from one we built for six thousand attendees.

In-headset view of an anhydrous ammonia road tanker marked as an inhalation hazard during VR training
Training economics · 25-08-2026

The ROI of immersive learning in 2026

What the headline numbers actually say, who commissioned them, the one figure you should delete from your deck, and the single variable that decides whether immersive training pays for itself.

A browser page listing immersive WebXR experiences that open without an install
Browser XR · 25-08-2026

WebXR vs Unity: what you are actually choosing between

One is a browser API and the other is a game engine, so the comparison as usually posed has no answer. Here is the decision underneath it, with the browser support numbers, Unity’s actual level of WebXR support, and the signal Meta just sent.

A browser-based 3D conference city built in Unity and delivered as a WebGL build
Browser 3D · 25-08-2026

The state of Unity WebGL in 2026

Where Unity’s web target actually stands in 2026: WebGL2 as the floor, WebGPU still experimental, mobile browsers officially supported at last, and the two numbers that decide whether your build works on someone else’s device.

A generated hospital floor plan showing rooms, beds and simulated staff movement
Healthcare operations · 20-08-2026

Digital twins for healthcare operations: what actually helps a hospital

What a hospital or health system needs from a digital twin: the operational language it has to speak, the difference between a leading and a lagging view, and what to prototype first.

A WebXR experience running in a browser on desktop and headset
Immersive web engineering · 11-08-2026

From Unity to the immersive web: a practical migration guide

When to move a Unity XR project to the immersive web, how the architecture actually translates, and where a native game engine is still the right answer.

Local AI models for business
Private AI · 11-08-2026

Ten local AI models every business should know about

Run AI on your own hardware: ten open-weight models worth knowing, what local LLMs cost, where they beat cloud AI, and how to try one this week.

AI voice agents for business calls
Voice AI · 11-08-2026

How to build an AI voice agent that handles business calls

The architecture behind a production AI voice agent: pipeline, tools, conversational pathways, failure paths, human handover and the metrics that matter.

Context engineering for AI coding tools
AI engineering · 11-08-2026

Get more from Claude and Codex without burning usage limits

Thirteen context engineering practices that cut token use and improve code quality: scope every task, start new chats, plan first, verify before merging.

A Gaussian splat reconstruction of a high-rise development
Spatial capture · 11-08-2026

How Gaussian splatting is actually delivering value

Where Gaussian splatting earns its cost: better bids, fewer site visits, capture once for many formats, and the accuracy trade-off to plan around.

A Gaussian splat reconstruction of a monument
Spatial AI · 11-08-2026

From image to interactive 4D worlds: AI Gaussian splat pipelines

4D Gaussian splatting explained: how AI pipelines turn a single image into an explorable spatial scene, the tools involved, and what it is useful for.

Agentic workflow in a product team
Team practice · 11-08-2026

A practical look at agentic workflow in a real product team

What an AI-native delivery process actually looks like: planning, context memory, scoped implementation, evaluation, CI/CD guardrails and governance.

Auditing a development workflow
Delivery · 11-08-2026

Auditing development workflows with AI: where teams gain and lose time

Adding people rarely fixes a slow pipeline. How to audit where development time actually goes, and which AI tools remove friction rather than add it.

Subscription app economy benchmarks
App economy · 11-08-2026

The state of the subscription app economy in 2026: a data-driven read

What 115,000 apps reveal about subscription growth in 2026: the AI retention paradox, hard paywalls, trial length, and why day zero decides everything.

A Unity digital twin driven by AI agents
Agentic tooling · 11-08-2026

How to connect Unity to an MCP server for agentic workflow

Wire an AI agent into the Unity Editor over MCP: install, configure a client, expose tools, and let it inspect scenes and run C# instead of guessing.

AI strategy platform and operational workflow interface
2026 field report · 05-08-2026

The state of practical AI in 2026: from chat windows to working systems

A grounded 2026 view of enterprise and SME AI: agents, workflow integration, governance, evaluation and the product opportunities worth pursuing now.

Junaid Malik testing an immersive VR experience
2026 XR field report · 05-08-2026

The state of XR and spatial computing in 2026

An honest 2026 assessment of XR, Android XR, WebXR, mixed reality, enterprise applications and where spatial projects can still create value.

A2RL autonomous racing VR application developed for Meta Quest
Meta Quest strategy · 05-08-2026

Meta Quest development in 2026: where VR projects still make commercial sense

A practical 2026 guide to Meta Quest development, covering training, simulation, events, multiplayer, consumer VR risk and cross-platform delivery.

Best AI automation ideas for small businesses in 2026
Practical AI for SMEs · 05-07-2026

Best AI Automation Ideas for Small Businesses in 2026

Practical AI workflows for local businesses, agencies, and operators that want useful automation without a huge software programme.

Best digital twin use cases for construction property and operations
Digital twin buyer guide · 05-07-2026

Best Digital Twin Use Cases for Construction, Property and Operations

A buyer-friendly guide to digital twins, virtual site planning, dashboards, spatial views, and operational visibility.

SaaS MVP AI app and digital twin prototype cost guide
2026 pricing guide · 05-07-2026

How Much Does a SaaS MVP, AI App, or Digital Twin Prototype Cost?

Clear starting bands for prototypes, MVPs, production builds, retainers, and the scope choices that change software cost.

Best Gaussian splat and virtual tour workflows
Field-to-browser guide · 05-07-2026

Best 3D Gaussian Splat and Virtual Tour Workflows

A practical workflow for spatial capture, SuperSplat-style editing, branded viewers, property tours, and construction review.

Spatial.io alternatives with Unity WebGL and PlayCanvas
Article · 21-06-2026

Spatial.io Alternatives: Unity WebGL, PlayCanvas and Arrival.space

Why Unity WebGL is the strongest route for white-label virtual worlds, custom multiplayer, and branded interactive spaces that teams can control.

3D Gaussian splat applications for industry
Spatial product strategy · 21-06-2026

3D Gaussian Apps for Industry, Sites and Spatial Tours

How Gaussian splats, SuperSplat-style workflows, and custom pipelines become practical applications for construction, engineering, property, tourism, and brand storytelling.

World Twin operational visibility platform
Platform thinking · 21-06-2026

World Twin: One Place for Assets, Context and Decisions

Why spatial operating layers, dashboards, maps, and digital twins help teams understand real-world operations faster.

Prototype SaaS platforms before full build
Product delivery guide · 21-06-2026

Why Prototype SaaS Platforms Before the Full Build?

How dashboards, beta platforms, and clickable product slices reduce risk before larger software investment.

Blog XR Training Future
Article · 12-05-2025

Why XR Training Is the Future of Workforce Development

In today's fast-moving industries, traditional training methods often fall short - they're time-consuming, difficult to scale, and fail to fully engage employees. That's where Extended Reality (XR) training comes in.

Leveling Up Your Business with Virtual Reality
Article

Leveling Up Your Business with Virtual Reality

Gone are the days when Virtual Reality (VR) was just for gaming and novelty demos. Today, VR is one of the most powerful tools in a company's digital transformation arsenal.

3D Immersive Conferences
Article

3D Immersive Conferences

Since 2020, the world of conferences and events has transformed. But the future isn't just more webinars - it's immersive 3D conference experiences that blend interactivity, networking, and visual presence in entirely new ways.

Why Companies Should Keep an Eye on Samsung XR
Article

Why Companies Should Keep an Eye on Samsung XR

While Meta and Apple have dominated headlines in the XR space, Samsung is quietly making a comeback - and smart businesses should pay close attention.

AR vs VR Guide
Article

AR vs VR: Which Technology is Right for Your Business?

Confused about AR vs VR? This comprehensive guide compares augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to help you choose the right solution for your business needs.

VR Training ROI
Article

ROI of VR Training: How Virtual Reality Reduces Training Costs

Discover how VR training delivers 40% cost savings and 80% better retention. Learn the real ROI of virtual reality training with data-driven insights and case studies.

Digital Twin Guide
Article

What Is a Digital Twin? A Complete Guide for Business Leaders

Digital twins are transforming industries. This complete guide explains what digital twins are, how they work, and why business leaders are investing in this game-changing technology.

AI SaaS Development Guide
Article

How to Build an AI SaaS Application in 2026

Learn how to build a successful AI SaaS application. Complete guide covering architecture, tech stack, AI integration, and best practices from real-world projects.

AI SaaS Cost Guide
Article

AI SaaS Development Cost Guide 2026

Complete AI SaaS development cost guide. Learn pricing for MVP vs full-featured apps, ongoing costs, and how to optimize your AI SaaS budget.

AI SaaS Tech Stack
Article

Best Tech Stack for AI SaaS in 2026

Discover the best tech stack for AI SaaS applications. Compare frameworks, AI APIs, databases, and hosting solutions with real-world examples.

AI SaaS vs traditional SaaS
Product strategy · 03-05-2026

AI SaaS vs Traditional SaaS: What Changes?

What changes in architecture, cost, testing, support, data, and customer trust when SaaS becomes AI-first.

Best AI tools for construction events maritime and training
Sector guide · 03-05-2026

Best AI Tools for Construction, Events, Maritime and Training

Industry-specific AI use cases for operations, safety, digital twins, training, and reporting workflows.

Digital twin vs simulation vs 3D visualization
Terminology, settled · 03-05-2026

Digital Twin vs Simulation vs 3D Visualization

A plain-English guide to choosing the right industrial 3D solution for communication, training, planning, or operations.

Unity vs WebGL for browser 3D experiences
Technology comparison · 03-05-2026

Unity vs WebGL for Browser-Based 3D Experiences

How to choose the right runtime for interactive 3D campaigns, product demos, games, and virtual events.

How to rescue a vibe-coded app before launch
Pre-launch audit · 03-05-2026

How to Rescue a Vibe-Coded App Before Launch

A launch-readiness checklist for AI-built prototypes that need production architecture, security, UX, and deployment.