Modern virtual reality (VR) is finally good. All the problems that made the virtual reality of the 90s and 2000s terrible, in fact, are solved. It’s not perfect, but VR is finally ready for mainstream use. So what does the average person actually want to do with VR?
Apart from the many entertainment possibilities, there are actually some pretty interesting professional uses for VR Virtual offices where you have a private space with a traditional VR-only desktop means you can take your personal workspace anywhere.
This also means that you can now share virtual space with colleagues and collaborate. A much more exciting and natural way to work or meet people who can be anywhere in the world. It’s much more than just Skype conferencing. Once you experience the sense of presence that a good VR meeting package provides, it will be difficult to return to the 2D faces on the screen.
That’s why we started looking for the most promising virtual reality meeting apps.
What we’re looking for
In some context, there are some features that make the VR meeting app more attractive than others. We really love it when users who don’t have access to VR hardware can still join us. In fact, this is very important. This is usually done in the form of apps for smartphones or tablets with the addition of a weird desktop client.
We also prefer apps that aren’t tied to a single VR platform or headset. VR is a technology that is still in its infancy, so any meeting solution should be as inclusive as possible.
In addition, these services have their own niches and strengths, which means that different projects will feel right at home with different solutions.
Meetingroom.io ( Free, up to 8 people)
MeetingRoom is a bit basic in the look department, but specifically geared towards creating a collaborative space. This makes it one of the best VR productivity tools on this list. The company positions itself as “space as a service†and offers perhaps the broadest support across multiple platforms.
This includes Android, iOS, OSX, WIndows, Vive & Focus, Rift & Go, Windows Mixed Reality, and more. This is the only VR meeting solution that most likely won’t exclude any of your attendees.
The conference rooms themselves are equipped with a variety of project management, sharing and presentation tools. On the free tier, you are limited to a single room that can accommodate up to eight people. There is also an expiration timer, whereas paid packages offer permanent rooms.
Rumii ( Free, up to 5 people)
Rumii is a very impressive service that is currently clearly missing from the iOS App Store. However, you will find it on PC, Oculus Go, Android, and Mac.
So it really isn’t that bad as the iOS users you work with will likely be using one of the other platforms. The good news is that Rumii is listing iOS as “coming soon” on their site, so maybe by the time you read this, this issue will be resolved.
At the time of this writing, the developer has released Rumii 2.0, which really visually enhances the game and offers advanced features. With a free app for five users and the ability to interact with 3D objects, it’s clear that this virtual reality meeting app keeps pace with the times.
You can have private rooms or participate in a public event, and HD video streaming is now part of the virtual space as well. Rumii is definitely one of the options you should try before settling on your preferred solution.
vSpatial (Early access / pricing to be announced)
vSpatial is one of the most impressive virtual reality meeting apps we’ve ever seen. It was created from the ground up as a way for teams to work together in a virtual space. You can also use it as your personal VR workspace as you can create virtual displays and bring almost any Windows 10 app to your VR workspace.
Right now vSpatial requires a Windows computer and also one of the mainstream networked virtual reality headsets. However, the company is working on porting the app to standalone VR headsets like the Oculus GO and Quest.
Fortunately, those without access to the right VR gear will not be overlooked. You can also use the 2D desktop app to join the conversation. Some of the more advanced VR features will clearly not work, though.
He has expressive avatars and very attractive virtual reality office spaces. The integration with the Windows 10 app is especially cool. Even without the VR meeting aspect of vSpatial
AltSpaceVR (Free)
We almost lost AltSpaceVR back in 2017 due to financial problems, but at the last moment Microsoft swooped in and bought the company. Now with virtually endless cash, they remain one of the most innovative virtual reality meeting room providers in the industry.
AltSpace is compatible with a wide range of platforms. Vive, Oculus, and Gear VR headsets are required, but they also work in 2D on Windows and with Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Unfortunately the Android app was discontinued and iOS was never supported. However, if all of your members have access to at least a Windows computer, this is a great tool.
The colorful world and art style are friendly and approachable. While not specifically designed for business use, event planners have the tools they need to deliver great presentations
It is not suitable for collaboration, but as a way to meet and communicate with a group of people, it is one of the most convenient and intuitive solutions.
Almost together
While most meetings could probably be done via email, these VR meeting apps are perfect for when you really need to have real time to solve complex problems in a group.
With the rise of remote and cost-effective jobs, there is no reason to give up the key benefits of face-to-face meetings just because you are away from you. Simply put on these glasses or download this app and you can immediately plunge into the VR water cooler.
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