In a time when individuality is a form of social currency more precious than gold, digital customization is revolutionizing consumer products, ranging from gaming controllers to daily clothing. Co-founded by Levi Patterson, Spectrum, located in Portland, has developed an advanced 3D-to-factory platform that facilitates personalized designs for prominent brands such as Xbox, Carhartt, and Hydro Flask. Levi also co-founded the marketing agency Pollinate, where he leverages his knowledge to enhance strategic integrations that transform user interaction with custom items. In a discussion with Digital Trends, Mr. Patterson shares insights on the engineering breakthroughs that allow for realistic product previews, the challenges of scaling these systems globally, and the future of engaging, tailored experiences in gaming and other areas. Digital Trends (DT): As one of the founders at Spectrum since 2011, what ignited your interest in 3D product customization, and how has your marketing experience from co-founding Pollinate shaped the platform’s emphasis on seamless consumer experiences like Xbox Design Lab? What obstacles do companies encounter when incorporating 3D visualization tools, like those used in Xbox Design Lab’s real-time previews, into e-commerce, and how does this affect the experience for casual vs. hardcore customizers? Levi Patterson (LP): My decade-long experience in digital marketing prior to launching Spectrum provided us with valuable insights into our priorities. It quickly became clear that “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) is a fundamental expectation among customers. Consequently, we recognized the necessity to develop 3D visualization, which ultimately evolved into 3DTrue, focusing on accurately representing customer creations in 3D. Our commitment to our clients and their users is to ensure that what’s designed on-screen aligns with what arrives in the package. Thankfully, this expectation is consistent among both casual and hardcore users, prompting us to prioritize premium visualization as our default. While this has been a challenge, we have continually adapted and progressed. DT: Spectrum boasts a 100% factory integration rate across various brands. Can you describe a significant “aha” moment early on that convinced you this technology could bridge the digital design and real-world manufacturing gap? LP: Unlike many configuration solutions that concentrate on the front end, we invest substantial time in factories and embellishment facilities aligning digital designs with reality for automated file delivery. Initially, we worried that we had taken on too much, but witnessing our first fully sublimated garment come off the production line was a defining moment, affirming that we had something remarkable. Attention to detail is crucial, and we've successfully codified those details into our platform. DT: Spectrum's data indicates a 72% reduction in 3D load speeds and a 63% decrease in resource sizes. How did your team prioritize these improvements for crucial applications like Xbox Design Lab, and what does this mean for gamers adjusting designs on mobile devices? LP: Our team at Spectrum has dedicated years to fine-tuning our 3D asset pipeline to ensure optimization at every stage. Beginning with the models, we take the provided CAD files, reconstruct only the visible components, and aim for clean, quadrangulated topology to facilitate straightforward texture assignment. The team's focus on weight, map counts, size, and device detection all enhance swift, interactive experiences across desktop and mobile platforms. These memory optimizations support more real-time features—like translucency, sheens, lightmaps, and intricate animations—allowing us to expand the limits of what can be done while sustaining sustainable frame rates. DT: With precise material rendering for everything from controller plastics to Carhartt fabrics, how does Spectrum tackle the challenges of simulating textures such as leather or metal in real-time, and might this evolve to facilitate AR try-ons for custom gaming peripherals? LP: Our PBR approach, combined with the scanning technologies we've embraced over the years, leads to the creation of highly authentic materials. To accurately replicate existing products in 3D, we also receive samples to observe how the surface interacts with light. Moreover, all assets are constructed to real-world scale, making it easy to transition into an AR environment using supported formats. DT: Features like roster/group orders and artwork re-coloring seem transformative for teams or esports squads. Could you highlight one lesser-known tool in Spectrum’s toolkit that has changed how brands like JBL or Leatherman engage their communities? LP: Moderation comes to mind as a crucial feature since protecting the brand is vital. We aim to provide users with a platform for their creativity while maintaining boundaries. We've been employing AI for this purpose long before ChatGPT gained mainstream attention, analyzing images in real-time to detect inappropriate content, copyright infringement, or prohibited terms and phrases. DT: Drawing from successes like Life is Good Custom and Hydro Flask's personalization, what insights have you applied from apparel and drinkware to gaming gear, and how might Spectrum expand into custom VR headsets or modular console skins? LP: We can now visualize nearly anything on any product

      Language barriers have always presented a challenge. However, with the new earbuds from Apple and Timekettle, we may finally be on our way to a more connected world. The AirPods Pro 3 and Timekettle W4 both offer real-time translation, raising the question: what kind of experience can you expect from each?

      Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 incorporate Live Translation into an already impressive feature set, while Timekettle’s W4 is specifically designed as a translator, functioning like a digital interpreter. So, which one truly communicates your language?

      Live Translation: an added benefit or the main feature?

      Let’s begin with Apple. The AirPods Pro 3 are exceptional wireless earbuds by any measure. They feature superior noise cancellation, spatial audio, and now, Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence. However, translation isn’t the main focus; it feels more like an added bonus. If you're in a bind during travel or need to order coffee in another language, they can assist.

      Using translation with AirPods necessitates a paired iPhone that runs at least iOS 18 and uses the Translate app. This feature is best suited for brief exchanges, such as asking for directions, ordering at a restaurant, or understanding street signs. While convenient, it has its limitations. You may experience delays as the system processes and provides the translated text. In fast-paced discussions or when multiple speakers contribute, the system can struggle to keep pace.

      The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t designed for rapid, flowing dialogue. They are primarily earbuds: excellent for music, podcasts, and the occasional “How do I get to the train station?” moment. Translation is provided as a convenience rather than a primary function.

      Additionally, you must stay within Apple’s meticulously structured ecosystem. Without a nearby iPhone, Live Translation simply won’t operate. Although the feature is impressive, it’s very much an additional perk rather than the primary reason to purchase the product.

      Timekettle W4: A translator disguised as earbuds

      In contrast, the Timekettle W4 is engineered specifically for multilingual, face-to-face discussions. While Apple enhances its lifestyle features with translation, Timekettle centers its lifestyle functionalities around its primary translation technology.

      The outcome is striking. The W4 facilitates simultaneous, two-way communication. Both you and your conversation partner can wear an earbud and converse naturally, even when talking over one another. No need for tapping, pausing, or taking turns like with walkie-talkies.

      The W4 uses directional microphones and bone voiceprint sensors to isolate each speaker, significantly enhancing accuracy in noisy settings. Timekettle claims up to 98% correctness in spoken interactions, and in practice, it's considerably more reliable than smartphone-based solutions. This reliability is important not only while traveling but also in situations where nuance is vital.

      The W4 also features various modes, including one-on-one discussions and listen-only setups. This adaptability makes it suitable for many scenarios beyond travel, such as business meetings or customer service interactions.

      Additionally, the W4 supports 43 languages and 96 accents, and even in the absence of Wi-Fi or cellular data, you can access 13 offline language packs, including commonly used ones like English, Spanish, German, and French. This is practical for remote areas or when traveling without a stable connection.

      Ecosystem vs. Independence

      One of the major distinctions between the two is their dependence on external devices. AirPods Pro 3 require a nearby iPhone and Apple’s Translate app to function effectively. You are metaphorically, if not literally, attached to Apple’s ecosystem. This arrangement serves existing Apple users well but poses a challenge for those who prefer Android or seek a platform-independent solution.

      In contrast, the Timekettle W4 is a standalone system. Once paired with its app, it can work independently across various situations without needing to continuously connect to your phone. You can engage in natural, flowing conversations without needing to check a screen or manage inputs—a significant advantage for usability.

      The W4 also comes with a compact charging case that provides extended battery life, making it more practical for all-day use. You’ll receive up to 10 hours of use on a single charge and 30 hours with the case.

      Which one is better for you?

      Opt for AirPods Pro 3 if:

      - You’re already integrated into the Apple ecosystem

      - Your translation needs are infrequent or low-stakes, such as ordering food or navigating a city

      - You value audio quality for entertainment, fitness tracking, or calls

      Choose Timekettle W4 if:

      - You require seamless, two-way real-time translation for in-depth conversations

      - You work in multilingual settings (e.g., international business, customer service, healthcare)

      - You frequently travel or engage in discussions in noisy environments and want to maintain your ability to listen to music

      The conclusion

      Apple’s Live Translation is a significant advancement for mainstream accessibility, and it’s encouraging to see such features becoming

In a time when individuality is a form of social currency more precious than gold, digital customization is revolutionizing consumer products, ranging from gaming controllers to daily clothing. Co-founded by Levi Patterson, Spectrum, located in Portland, has developed an advanced 3D-to-factory platform that facilitates personalized designs for prominent brands such as Xbox, Carhartt, and Hydro Flask. Levi also co-founded the marketing agency Pollinate, where he leverages his knowledge to enhance strategic integrations that transform user interaction with custom items. In a discussion with Digital Trends, Mr. Patterson shares insights on the engineering breakthroughs that allow for realistic product previews, the challenges of scaling these systems globally, and the future of engaging, tailored experiences in gaming and other areas. Digital Trends (DT): As one of the founders at Spectrum since 2011, what ignited your interest in 3D product customization, and how has your marketing experience from co-founding Pollinate shaped the platform’s emphasis on seamless consumer experiences like Xbox Design Lab? What obstacles do companies encounter when incorporating 3D visualization tools, like those used in Xbox Design Lab’s real-time previews, into e-commerce, and how does this affect the experience for casual vs. hardcore customizers? Levi Patterson (LP): My decade-long experience in digital marketing prior to launching Spectrum provided us with valuable insights into our priorities. It quickly became clear that “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) is a fundamental expectation among customers. Consequently, we recognized the necessity to develop 3D visualization, which ultimately evolved into 3DTrue, focusing on accurately representing customer creations in 3D. Our commitment to our clients and their users is to ensure that what’s designed on-screen aligns with what arrives in the package. Thankfully, this expectation is consistent among both casual and hardcore users, prompting us to prioritize premium visualization as our default. While this has been a challenge, we have continually adapted and progressed. DT: Spectrum boasts a 100% factory integration rate across various brands. Can you describe a significant “aha” moment early on that convinced you this technology could bridge the digital design and real-world manufacturing gap? LP: Unlike many configuration solutions that concentrate on the front end, we invest substantial time in factories and embellishment facilities aligning digital designs with reality for automated file delivery. Initially, we worried that we had taken on too much, but witnessing our first fully sublimated garment come off the production line was a defining moment, affirming that we had something remarkable. Attention to detail is crucial, and we've successfully codified those details into our platform. DT: Spectrum's data indicates a 72% reduction in 3D load speeds and a 63% decrease in resource sizes. How did your team prioritize these improvements for crucial applications like Xbox Design Lab, and what does this mean for gamers adjusting designs on mobile devices? LP: Our team at Spectrum has dedicated years to fine-tuning our 3D asset pipeline to ensure optimization at every stage. Beginning with the models, we take the provided CAD files, reconstruct only the visible components, and aim for clean, quadrangulated topology to facilitate straightforward texture assignment. The team's focus on weight, map counts, size, and device detection all enhance swift, interactive experiences across desktop and mobile platforms. These memory optimizations support more real-time features—like translucency, sheens, lightmaps, and intricate animations—allowing us to expand the limits of what can be done while sustaining sustainable frame rates. DT: With precise material rendering for everything from controller plastics to Carhartt fabrics, how does Spectrum tackle the challenges of simulating textures such as leather or metal in real-time, and might this evolve to facilitate AR try-ons for custom gaming peripherals? LP: Our PBR approach, combined with the scanning technologies we've embraced over the years, leads to the creation of highly authentic materials. To accurately replicate existing products in 3D, we also receive samples to observe how the surface interacts with light. Moreover, all assets are constructed to real-world scale, making it easy to transition into an AR environment using supported formats. DT: Features like roster/group orders and artwork re-coloring seem transformative for teams or esports squads. Could you highlight one lesser-known tool in Spectrum’s toolkit that has changed how brands like JBL or Leatherman engage their communities? LP: Moderation comes to mind as a crucial feature since protecting the brand is vital. We aim to provide users with a platform for their creativity while maintaining boundaries. We've been employing AI for this purpose long before ChatGPT gained mainstream attention, analyzing images in real-time to detect inappropriate content, copyright infringement, or prohibited terms and phrases. DT: Drawing from successes like Life is Good Custom and Hydro Flask's personalization, what insights have you applied from apparel and drinkware to gaming gear, and how might Spectrum expand into custom VR headsets or modular console skins? LP: We can now visualize nearly anything on any product

The AirPods Pro 3 and the Timekettle W4 both provide real-time translation, yet one stands out as the superior option.

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