Introduction to Meta’s Virtual Reality Headset
When I used to be invited to check out Meta’s latest virtual reality headset in Horizon Workrooms, a virtual office in its metaverse, I jumped at the chance. I had written concerning the metaverse before and its use within the workplace, and I used to be pretty skeptical. It seemed far-fetched to placed on a vision-obscuring device just to satisfy my colleagues in VR, and much more complicated for those with children or pets at home.
What is Meta’s Metaverse?
Meta had launched the Meta Quest Pro in October, priced at $1,500, and boasting features like pass-through and spatial audio. The device gives users access to Horizon Worlds, a social universe in Meta’s metaverse. Workrooms is one tool in that universe, which could be used to carry meetings in VR. According to Steve Hatch, Meta’s VP for Northern Europe, "Virtual worlds have the potential to recapture that very same sense of togetherness that a lot of us feel are missing" from distant work.
My Experience with the Meta Quest Pro
I wasn’t convinced that being in a virtual world with an avatar-like rendering of my colleagues would help me feel closer to them. However, Meta’s product marketing manager for Oculus, Yuxi Wang, told me that the device "surprisingly seems like you are actually right in the identical room together." Wang said Meta wants staff to "enjoy more real estate" when working from home, in order that they have greater options for productivity. I used to be curious to check out the device myself for the primary time.
The Tech was Undeniably Very Cool
I popped on the lightweight and sleek-looking device and was transported right into a large office with windows overlooking mountains and the ocean. I used to be stunned by how vivid and realistic every little thing looked. Looking around at other people’s avatars, I used to be impressed with the range of features and clothing options. The instructor within the meeting modified the placement of the office just a few times, first to a futuristic city with skyscrapers, after which to a beach – a perk definitely not available in real-life.
Features of the Meta Quest Pro
The device had a variety of work-specific features like monitors that were blurred to anyone else looking – handy when you’re working with sensitive or confidential information. People could also join via video call, and we could see them through a monitor. The pass-through option enabled me to see the actual world with virtual monitors overlaid. When turned on, I could see my real desk in front of me and my phone on top of it. Another striking feature was spatial audio and teleportation. By pointing my hands towards a selected seat and clicking on it, I could transport my avatar into that seat, and the amount and direction of an individual’s voice would change based on the seat I used to be in.
Limitations of the Meta Quest Pro
I and other journalists on the event were thoroughly impressed by the tech, its various work-specific features, and the remarkable fluidity of movement the avatars had, but I do not see myself using it at work frequently. Meta had emphasized the sensation of "togetherness" and connection you’re feeling in VR, however it felt like the alternative. Looking at people’s avatars as a substitute of their real faces felt inauthentic and further honed in on the proven fact that I’m probably not there with them. I also began to feel the pressure of the device on my head after 10 minutes, and even though it was adjustable, I used to be relieved to take it off after around 20 minutes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Meta Quest Pro is a formidable device with many cool features, I actually have my doubts about its practicality within the workplace. With the expensive price tag and a world recession on the horizon, I’m not convinced that corporations will start investing in VR tech over laptop upgrades. The device could also be useful for certain meetings or collaborations, however it doesn’t address among the primary concerns about distant work, including proximity bias and networking. As Adi Gaskell, a contract journalist, identified, "It doesn’t really change the disconnect between on-site and distant staff as they still only come together for meetings."
