AltspaceVR
Developer(s) | Microsoft |
---|---|
Initial release | May 2015 |
Operating system | Windows 10, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift |
Type | Virtual reality community |
Website | altvr |
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AltspaceVR is a social VR platform that was founded in 2013 and launched its initial product in May 2015. In 2017 it was acquired by Microsoft[1] and is now part of the Mixed Reality division (alongside notable products like HoloLens and HoloLens 2) within the Cloud and AI group. Some elements of the platform appear in Microsoft Mesh.[2]
The platform is centered around live virtual events. In addition to a wide variety of events, AltspaceVR is a social platform where individuals can gather, talk, collaborate, and be co-present in small to large groups. Currently, AltspaceVR is the only social VR platform that allows for large groups of individuals to be co-present in a single space[citation needed]. The platform has also introduced a technology called FrontRow which allows for audience-scaling into the thousands.
The platform is regularly home to a wide variety of events from VR church[3] and LGBTQI+ meetups[citation needed] to large business conferences[citation needed] and magic shows.[4]
Notable events[]
Notable events taken place within AltspaceVR, include:
- several live shows with comedian and musician, Reggie Watts[citation needed]
- virtual music video with rapper Pitbull, was filmed in a VR world produced by Big Rock Creative. [5]
- a virtual fashion show for 2020 Paris Fashion week[6]
- a red carpet premiere of Baba Yaga with celebrities Jennifer Hudson and Daisy Ridley[7] was held in a VR world produced by Big Rock Creative.
- a live conversation with celebrity meteorologist, Al Roker[citation needed]
- several keynote conversations with Microsoft's Head of Mixed Reality, Alex Kipman[citation needed]
- In 2020 AltspaceVR was home to BRCvr, a recognized universe of the Burning Man multiverse.[8]
Supported hardware[]
AltspaceVR is available on many VR headsets including:
- HTC Vive
- Oculus Rift/Rift-S
- Oculus Quest/Quest 2
- Windows Mixed Reality devices.
The platform is also available in 2D mode on PCs for those without VR headsets.
Availability[]
AltspaceVR is currently available for download in the Windows Store, Steam Store, and .
The platform is free to download and use. It has an ESRB rating of "Teen (13+)".
References[]
- ^ Eadicicco, Lisa (3 October 2017). "Microsoft Just Bought a Virtual Reality Company to Challenge Facebook". Time.
- ^ "Microsoft Mesh feels like the virtual future of Microsoft Teams meetings". The Verge.
- ^ "Religion in the Digital Age". BBC. April 2020.
- ^ Harry, Baker (August 25, 2020). "'Magicians In VR' Event In AltspaceVR Will Feature Talks And Live Magic". UploadVR.
- ^ "YOUNGA After Party with Pitbull". December 5, 2020. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
- ^ Roddy, Clarke (June 30, 2020). "First Ever Virtual Reality Summit To Take Place During Paris Fashion Week In October 2020". Forbes.
- ^ Eric, Kohn (January 13, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson and Daisy Ridley Take Avatars and Publicists Into VR for a Red Carpet Premiere". IndieWire.
- ^ Peter, Rubin (September 9, 2020). "Covid Snuffed Out Burning Man—but the Festival Goes On in VR". WIRED.
External links[]
- Software companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Microsoft acquisitions
- Microsoft subsidiaries
- Software companies of the United States
- Companies established in 2013
- Virtual reality communities