Since the coronavirus forced a number of industries to continue their business via online video conferencing platforms, a new demand for this type of tool evolved. In response, HTC announced a new meeting tool for Vive, its virtual reality platform. The tool is called Vive Sync and allows presentations to take place in a virtual 3D room.
Welcome to Vive Sync
The difference between this platform and similar ones is the use of custom avatars. These are full-body and can convey body language during the presentation. The process of creating your avatar would start with a selfie. Personalization aspects such as facial features, body type, and clothing are possible, although more options will be available in future updates. The Vive Pro Eye will track the user’s eye movements and reflect them in virtual space. There is also talk of tracking natural body language thanks to the platform’s “IK tracking system”.
Vive Sync will display both the user’s local time and the local time of the other meeting participants. The platform will be integrated with Microsoft OneDrive, allowing exhibitors to exchange PDF files and play video or PowerPoint slideshows for their presentations. There will also be a 3D pen for taking notes, you can take screenshots and even record the presentation.
If presenters want to include 3D models as part of their presentations, FBX and OBJ files are supported. These could be used to show a product from all angles. In fact, Vive Sync advertising uses a vehicle as an example.
Meeting rooms will be able to accommodate up to 30 people at a time and Vive Sync will be free for businesses until the end of 2020. Of course, you will need to have an HTC Vive to participate. The open beta version is now available on the Vive website. Click here for more details.