Researchers at Simon Fraser University have introduced a breakthrough AI technology that transforms the way we capture and edit the physical world. With just a smartphone sweep around an object, users can now generate realistic, editable 3D models that can be viewed from any angle. This technology, detailed in a recent paper presented at NeurIPS 2023, employs a technique known as Proximity Attention Point Rendering (PAPR) to convert 2D photos into a 3D point cloud. This cloud not only represents the object's shape and appearance but also allows for intuitive editing of its features. The team's demonstration, where a statue's head is animated to turn, showcases the potential of this technology in bringing static objects to life. This innovation promises to redefine visual communication, making 3D modeling as commonplace as 2D imaging is today.