Zoom and Meta have jointly launched a new standalone app for VR headsets, allowing users to participate in meetings as virtual avatars.
Zoom: In the world of technology, Zoom and Meta have taken a step in a new direction. The two companies have partnered to launch a new standalone Zoom app for Meta's virtual reality (VR) headsets. This app is specifically designed for users who want to present their presence in meetings in a new way, as virtual avatars. This partnership between Zoom and Meta is not only going to transform the meeting experience, but it also shows where digital communication is heading in the future. Now, meetings will not be limited to just showing your face on camera, but you will also be able to register your presence as a virtual avatar.
What is this new VR Zoom app?
Meta and Zoom have launched a new standalone app for VR headsets of the Meta Quest series. This app is an extension of Zoom's existing Workplace app, but it has been specifically designed for the VR experience. Meta said in its blog post that this app will allow users to attend meetings in 'Immersion Mode' and 'Passthrough Mode'. This means that the user can become fully immersed in a virtual environment and be part of the meeting, or they can also partially maintain their real world.
What are Immersion Mode and Passthrough Mode?
1. Immersion Mode
This mode creates a virtual room where the user's avatar interacts with the avatars of other people. This environment is such that the user can forget the rest of the world and focus only on the conversation. This can be particularly useful for remote team members.
2. Passthrough Mode
This mode gives the user a mixed reality experience. In this, you can see your real world, but along with it, virtual elements like the avatars of meeting participants also appear around you. This is especially beneficial when you want to experience the real and virtual worlds together.
On which devices will this app run?
Meta's new Zoom app is currently available for the following devices:
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
- Meta Quest Pro
- Meta Quest 2
According to the Meta website, this app will work with any free or paid Zoom license, meaning you can use it without additional payment if you already have a Zoom account.
How will the User Interface (UI) be?
The interface of this new app is quite similar to the Zoom desktop app. The only difference is that the navigation bar is on the left instead of at the top, making it easier to use and more intuitive in a VR headset. The app includes options like Home, Team Chat, Meetings, and Contacts, which enable the user to have the complete Zoom meeting experience.
Zoom's growing investment in VR and AI
Zoom is not limited to just VR. Recently, the company has also made major updates to AI-based features. Now, users can create their own custom avatars for Zoom Clips. This will make the process of creating video clips easier and faster, in which AI assistants will play an important role.
In an interview, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan said that he wants AI-generated "digital twins" to participate in meetings in their place in the future. This idea is a big step in the direction in which meetings and professional interactions can be made more automated and virtual.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest experience
In January 2024, Zoom also launched an app for Apple's Vision Pro device. However, Apple's approach is a little different — in Vision Pro, the user appears as a realistic digital face, while Meta's focus is on animated avatars. This reflects the design philosophy of both platforms: Apple tries to get closer to reality, while Meta wants to provide an interactive and animated experience.
