Maybe the biggest scam to ever befall mankind was the introduction of social media where billions of people generate content for free that is then sold to companies who use it to sell the people who created the content more isht. If you run a company like that where your users do all the work, you could probably just send your CEO off to travel the USA for a year and let your COO spend the majority of their time on talk shows selling books. It doesn’t matter because people will continue to use these platforms so they can stay connected to 947 people, a small number of which they actually have a meaningful relationship with so it’s all worth it, right? Plus, we wouldn’t have thought leaders like Kim Kardashian if it wasn’t for social media and without her, most women wouldn’t have a role model to look up to who inspires them to pursue careers in STEM fashion blogging. While social media may leave a bad taste in our mouths, social media in virtual reality (VR) gets our inner nerd all worked up.
In our world of efficiency, resources, and immediate gratification, the time and money it takes to book, rent, and prepare a space for meeting up or hanging out is starting to feel a bit tedious… especially when you have to take the time to get there. That’s why the last few years have seen a wave of startups looking to eliminate virtually all of the cost, prep, and travel time of gathering people together… virtually. The following VR startups have developed platforms where you can invite friends or co-workers to hang out, dance, watch sports, or work on projects “in-person” from your own couch, equipped with only a VR headset.
AltspaceVR
Founded in 2013, Silicon Valley startup AltspaceVR has already raked in $15.7 million in funding from investors that included Google and Comcast to transform the internet into a 3D, shareable space. AltspaceVR’s virtual reality software extends the web into a holographic experience for each user, and creates the opportunity for each avatar to watch videos, play games, and get work done together with other users within the open web. AltspaceVR also welcomes people to attend live events, from debates to dance parties to Drew Carey comedy shows, with other user-created meetups like “chill sessions” and virtual pride parades on the schedule as well. Here’s a look at their latest hangout space:
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Now to be fair, we haven’t tried this out yet, but going to a virtual BBQ and throwing around a virtual frisbee isn’t high on our list of things to do this weekend. AltspaceVR is currently available for free and supports all the major VR headsets.
Pluto VR
Founded in 2015, Seattle startup Pluto VR has received $13.9 million in funding to offer shared presence communication through virtual reality. Pluto VR argues that webcam and mobile communication are less natural and effective than face-to-face interaction, and that with the help of virtual reality, we can now connect, communicate, and collaborate with anyone in the world as if we were in their presence. According to founder John Vechey, the purpose of Pluto is to “help humanity transcend physical location”. We can already connect via voice, text, and video, but Vechey argues that these mediums don’t actually bring us together. Pluto creates the illusion of face-to-face presence, fostering a unique intimacy that he hopes will take virtual communication to a new level. Better update those HR policies to cover virtual harassment because that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Pluto VR Alpha is currently being tested on both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
LiveLike
Founded in 2015, New York startup LiveLike has taken in $5.91 million in funding to build a VR platform for broadcasters that allows sports fans from around the world to create their own virtual suites for sharing the sporting event viewing experience. LiveLike taps into the crazed enthusiasm of sports fans of every tribe and team, giving them the excitement of the game-day experience through virtual reality from the comfort of their living rooms, like this:
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If it’s possible to drink a beer with a VR headset on, we’re in (it is possible actually). LiveLike also emulates immersive, communal aspect of sports fanhood by enabling multiple users to occupy the same viewing space, without the exorbitant expense of renting a stadium suite in real life. At least one broadcaster uses this technology now and you can try it out here if you own any of the popular VR headsets. With the NFL backing them as a lead investor, watching sports in VR may become commonplace soon.
Against Gravity
Founded just last year, Seattle startup Against Gravity has taken in $5 million from investors that include Sequioa Capital and Vulcan to make a social VR app called Rec Room. The idea is to get people to play virtual game together like charades, disc golf and paintball. Here’s a teaser of their platform punctuated by some of the worst 70s porno music imaginable:
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Source: Nanalyze