Meta, the company led by Mark Zuckerberg, has unveiled a new standalone Zoom application designed for use with its virtual reality (VR) headsets. This innovative app will enable users to participate in video conferences as digitally created avatars. Currently available free of charge for Meta Quest VR headset owners, the app functions seamlessly with both free and paid Zoom licenses. In its announcement, Meta described the app as an extension of the Zoom Workplace application that users are accustomed to on their smartphones and computers. This initiative is in line with Zoom’s recent efforts to incorporate more AI-generated avatars into its meetings.
Introducing the Standalone App
In a blog post, Meta confirmed the launch of its new Zoom standalone application tailored for Meta Quest VR headsets. The company emphasizes that this app serves as a “seamless” extension to Zoom’s existing Workplace app utilized on mobile devices and desktops. Users will be able to join video conferences as their virtual avatars in both Immersion and Passthrough modes.
The Immersion mode is designed to create a focused virtual environment around the user’s avatar, thereby enhancing the conversational experience. Alternatively, the Passthrough mode allows users to join meetings in an augmented reality (AR) setting that includes the actual surroundings. All meeting participants will view the same avatar, regardless of the devices they are using to join the session.
According to Meta’s official site, the Zoom Meetings application on Meta Quest devices is compatible with any free or paid Zoom licensing plan. Additionally, the app can be used on various VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, and Meta Quest 2. Screenshots shared by Meta indicate that the new app will feature a user interface (UI) akin to that of the desktop version, although the navigation bar—containing options for Home, Team Chat, Meetings, and Contacts—will be positioned on the left side rather than at the top of the screen.
Zoom’s Focus on AI and VR
This app launch coincides with Zoom’s broader strategy to enhance its initiatives in the augmented and virtual reality landscape while also boosting its artificial intelligence capabilities. In a recent interview with Technology News, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan expressed his vision of incorporating AI-generated digital twins of users to participate in meetings.
In mid-March, Zoom announced a major upgrade to its AI Companion, introducing several new features, including customizable avatars for Zoom Clips. This enhancement aims to streamline the video clip creation process by allowing the AI agent to manage the workload.
Moreover, Zoom revealed plans to launch a new application compatible with the Apple Vision Pro AR/VR headset in January 2024. While Apple’s mixed reality headset aims to present users as more lifelike digital representations, Meta’s approach differs by showcasing animated avatars of users instead.
