{"id":4890,"date":"2026-03-16T13:42:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/?p=4890"},"modified":"2026-03-16T14:03:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T14:03:08","slug":"flock-xr-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/flock-xr-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"Flock XR Release 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Flock-XR-Logo-Web-No-Space.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Flock XR logo&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Flock XR Logo&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;30%&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|&#8211;et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; inline_fonts=&#8221;ABeeZee&#8221;]<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>A Major New Version of Flock XR Launches on 13 April<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>New characters, world-building tools and scene effects in the biggest Flock XR update yet.<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Over the past year we\u2019ve been co-designing Flock XR with educators and young people, exploring how to make 3D creation more creative and accessible for young people.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Flock XR is a free, open-source 3D creation tool that runs in the browser, making it accessible across a wide range of devices while also supporting offline use. Our goal is to make it easier for young people to build interactive 3D worlds, games and XR experiences using a tool designed especially for them.<\/p>\n<p>On 13 April we\u2019ll release the next major version of Flock XR, bringing a wide range of improvements to the interface, code blocks and world-building tools.<\/p>\n<p>This new release represents a significant step forward for the project.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 If you\u2019d like to follow the journey and hear about new releases, tutorials and resources, you can join our mailing list to stay updated.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Built With Support from Our Community and Partners<\/h2>\n<p>Getting to this point has been made possible thanks to the support of several organisations that believe in the potential of open, creative tools for learning and experimentation.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re grateful for the support of <a href=\"https:\/\/ukgamesfund.com\">UK Games Fund<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/nlnet.nl\/project\/FlockXR\">the NLnet Foundation<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mediacityuk.co.uk\/immersive-technologies-innovation-hub\">MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub<\/a>, whose grants have helped us develop and expand the platform.<\/p>\n<p>Just as importantly, the feedback and ideas from educators and young people who have been exploring Flock XR with us have played a central role in shaping this release.<\/p>\n<h2>A Simpler and More Flexible Interface<\/h2>\n<p>One of our priorities for this version was improving the overall usability of Flock XR.<\/p>\n<p>A new <strong>burger menu<\/strong> provides easy access to key features, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Interface themes<\/strong> with new light, dark and high-contrast options<\/li>\n<li>A direct link to our new <strong>Flock XR Hub<\/strong> knowledge base<\/li>\n<li>Built-in support for <strong>future language translations<\/strong> across the interface and blocks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Several other improvements make the workspace clearer and easier to use, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An <strong>adjustable canvas bar<\/strong> to resize the working area<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>highlight halo<\/strong> that shows active areas more clearly<\/li>\n<li>An enhanced <strong>colour picker<\/strong> with predefined palettes, brightness controls and advanced options<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Together these changes make building in Flock XR smoother and more accessible for both new and experienced users.<\/p>\n<h2>New Learning Resources and Knowledge Hub<\/h2>\n<p>Alongside the platform update, we\u2019re also expanding the <strong>learning resources available for educators and clubs using Flock XR.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve created a new <strong>Flock XR knowledge base<\/strong> at <a href=\"https:\/\/hub.flockxr.com\">hub.flockxr.com<\/a>, designed to make it easier for educators and young people to find resources, explore ideas and get started quickly with projects.<\/p>\n<p>As part of this release, we\u2019re expanding our structured learning materials and club resources. These include:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Coding 3D Worlds lesson packs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stage 5 Coding 3D Worlds (6 lessons)<\/li>\n<li>Stage 7 Coding 3D Worlds (6 lessons)<\/li>\n<li>Stage 8 Coding 3D Worlds (6 lessons)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Taster packs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stage 5 Taster Pack (2 lessons)<\/li>\n<li>Stage 7 Taster Pack (2 lessons)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Club resources<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Club Session Packs (4 sessions)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These resources have been <strong>co-designed with practising teachers and students, tested in schools<\/strong>, and will be available through the <a href=\"https:\/\/flockxr.com\"><strong>flockxr.com<\/strong><\/a> website.<\/p>\n<h2>New Demo Projects to Explore and Remix<\/h2>\n<p>To help people get started more quickly, we\u2019ve added a set of <strong>new demo projects<\/strong> that demonstrate how different tools and blocks work together. These demos include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sit Down<\/li>\n<li>Tree Jump<\/li>\n<li>Shape Push<\/li>\n<li>Alien Planet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All of the demos have been updated to use the latest blocks and are designed to be explored, modified and remixed.<\/p>\n<h2>Expanded Characters, Items and World-Building<\/h2>\n<p>This release significantly expands the models available for creating scenes and stories. New additions include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>9 new characters<\/strong> alongside <strong>3 returning characters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Additional scenery elements such as ponds, flowers and an airplane<\/li>\n<li>New items including a key, wand, hat and headphones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can now also <strong>attach items directly to characters<\/strong>, placing them on the head or in the hands, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and interaction.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/characters-Edited-scaled.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; alt=&#8221;The Flock XR characters are shown in idle poses across 2 lines.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;characters &#8211; Edited&#8221; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>More Materials and Visual Customisation<\/h2>\n<p>Creators now have much greater control over how characters and objects look. New features include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>72 skin colour options<\/strong> (previously 12)<\/li>\n<li>A wider range of materials for scene design<\/li>\n<li>A<strong> grid material<\/strong> to help with object placement<\/li>\n<li>Decorative materials such as <strong>wooden planks, fish and carbon fibre<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The ability to apply<strong> multiple colours to items<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These improvements help creators build more visually distinctive scenes.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"font-family: ABeeZee;\">Richer Scenes and Visual Effects<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve also expanded the tools for creating atmosphere and visual effects within scenes. Updates include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>47 particle effects<\/strong> (up from 12 previously)<\/li>\n<li>A new block that allows you to <strong>move and control lighting<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>An improved<strong> fog block<\/strong> for creating different environmental moods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These additions make it easier to create more dynamic and immersive worlds.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/effects-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; alt=&#8221;A Flock XR scene shows a character holding a glowing wand and standing in a foggy world. Particle effects are used for smoke from the chimneys.&#8221; title_text=&#8221;scene effects&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2>Faster Building with Snippets and Improved Blocks<\/h2>\n<p>To help people build projects more quickly, we\u2019ve added new <strong>code snippets<\/strong> including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Movement snippets<\/li>\n<li>Snippets for creating objects with physics or applying force<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Several core blocks have also been improved for clarity and ease of use, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A clearer <strong>\u201cwait one second\u201d<\/strong> block<\/li>\n<li>More consistent block naming<\/li>\n<li>An improved <strong>if block<\/strong> that is easier to position, duplicate and modify<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These changes make building logic simpler and easier to understand.<\/p>\n<h2>New Character Animations<\/h2>\n<p>All characters can now perform a wider range of animations, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sitting down, Sitting idle, and standing up<\/li>\n<li>Climbing a rope<\/li>\n<li>Wobbling<\/li>\n<li>Clapping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because every character now uses the same animation rig, they can all perform the same animations, making it easier to create interactive scenes and playful moments.<\/p>\n<h2>Improved 3D Text and Project Files<\/h2>\n<p>3D text tools have also been expanded.<\/p>\n<p>You can now use the <strong>subtract block<\/strong> to cut 3D text into other shapes \u2014 something that can be especially useful for <strong>3D printing workflows.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve also introduced a dedicated <strong>Flock XR file type<\/strong> (.flock) to make saved projects easier to recognise and manage.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-13.37.19.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; alt=&#8221;A 3D cylinder on its side with the words &#8216;Flock XR&#8217; cut out of the cylinder. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;3D text CAD&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; max_width=&#8221;800px&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;et_body_layout&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2>Launching 13 April<\/h2>\n<p>This new version of<strong> Flock XR launches on 13 April<\/strong>, and we\u2019re excited to see what people create with the expanded tools and features.<\/p>\n<p>Flock XR continues to grow through collaboration with educators and young people, and we look forward to sharing more updates as the project evolves.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49<strong> If you\u2019d like to stay informed about new releases, tutorials and resources, join our mailing list and follow our progress as we approach launch.<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the past year we\u2019ve been co-designing Flock XR with educators and young people, exploring how to make 3D creation more creative and accessible for young people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/characters-scaled.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4890"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4901,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4890\/revisions\/4901"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flipcomputing.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}