Microsoft Mesh is a cutting-edge platform that enables a distributed workforce to connect in a 3D immersive space, fostering meaningful work relationships and enhancing collaboration. Built on Azure, Mesh provides developers with AI-powered tools for creating custom immersive spaces for various business needs. It transforms traditional 2D meetings into authentic and engaging 3D experiences, offering unique attributes like spatial interaction, co-presence, and immersion.
For those exploring alternatives to Microsoft Mesh, options to consider are AltspaceVR, Metaverse, Facebook Metaverse, and VRChat, each offering diverse features for immersive spatial interactions and virtual collaboration.
AltspaceVR
Launched publicly in 2015, AltspaceVR quickly gained prominence as a popular virtual reality hosting platform. It was acquired by Microsoft in 2017 and has since undergone notable upgrades, the most prominent one being the integration with Microsoft Mesh in 2021.
AltspaceVR Best Features
- Doesn’t require a VR headset to access the platform, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Highly interactive VR experiences with hand and head tracking functions.
- Advanced avatar customization options to enhance the user experience.
- A straightforward control system for seamless navigation.
- Wide range of events, from comedy shows to religious studies.
- Integration with larger Microsoft ecosystem for robust functionality.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Mesh Integration | Enables hosting of VR avatars within a person’s holograms or a physical space’s digital twin. |
| Compatibility | Works well with Microsoft Mesh for business purposes, supporting shared VR experiences. |
| Event creation | Allows user to create and host events, with templates available for beginners. |
AltspaceVR Limitations
- Desktop app users only offered Microsoft account sign-in option, potentially limiting accessibility.
- No in-app payments or email-facilitated communication features available.
- While it supports shared VR experiences, it can face strong competition in the social VR market.
AltspaceVR Pricing
As per the data provided, AltspaceVR does not include any in-app payments, making it a free platform for users.
AltspaceVR Use Cases
Use case 1 – Social VR Interaction
Given its emphasis on social interaction and its user-friendly, accessible platform, AltspaceVR serves as an excellent tool for creating and fostering online communities, bridging geographical gaps seamlessly.
Use case 2 – Virtual Events
AltspaceVR allows for the creation and hosting of virtual events, be it professional workshops or social events such as comedy shows. It’s a tool that organizations and individuals keen on fostering virtual participation can leverage.
Use case 3 – VR Experience for Brands
Brands looking to build their own 3D worlds for promotional or engagement purposes can utilize AltspaceVR for its diverse functionality and accessibility options.
Metaverse
The Metaverse is a buzzword in the augmented reality (AR) and the virtual reality (VR) universe, driven into mainstream conversations by Facebook’s recent rebrand to Meta. The Metaverse is a vision for a fully immersive 3D internet concept, utilizing elements of virtual and augmented reality, blockchain technologies, and NFTs.
Metaverse Top Features
- Immersive 3D Worlds: Reimagining the internet in three dimensions, the Metaverse will offer highly immersive VR and AR experiences.
- Commerce Compatibility: The integration of blockchain technologies and NFTs would introduce a new form of commerce and interoperability.
- Multi-industry Application: Plans suggest Metaverse comprising various 3D worlds for both consumers and various industries.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Long History | The concept of Metaverse has old roots that go back as far as 1938, and it’s been part of VR evolution and internet development. |
| Haptic Technology | The development of haptic technology, simulating touch for a more immersive experience, is a key feature of the Metaverse. |
| Business Integration | Major companies like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, McLaren, Walmart have begun exploring retail and marketing within the Metaverse. |
Metaverse Limitations
- Technological Requirements: The fully-immersive 3D environment may need advanced hardware that’s not available or accessible to all users.
- Regulatory Challenges: The integration of blockchain and NFTs may face regulatory hurdles that still need sorting out.
Metaverse Pricing
The financial details surrounding the Metaverse are not fully disclosed. However, indications of major investments – such as Meta’s $10 billion investment – suggest that it could be a high-value proposition.
Metaverse Use Cases
Use case 1: Immersive Marketing
With major brands getting involved, the Metaverse provides an exciting new platform for creating interactive, immersive marketing campaigns.
Use case 2: Collaborative Workspaces
Metaverse could revolutionise the way we approach remote work, creating 3D spaces in which colleagues can collaborate in a more immersive way.
Use case 3: Entertainment and Gaming
The potential for creating vast, shared virtual worlds opens up massive new possibilities for immersive gaming and entertainment.
Facebook Metaverse
An evolution in social connection, beyond the realm of mobile internet – this captures the vision of Facebook Metaverse. Conceptualized by Meta, the phenomenal next-level VR space is steered by the strategic mindset of CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who envisions a promising future in the domains of social connection, work, play, and seamless access to shopping.
Facebook Metaverse Top Features
- Horizon Worlds: Unleash your imagination in a virtual universe spanning over 10,000 worlds and experiences.
- Horizon Workrooms: Experience virtual workplace collaboration tools maintaining the essence of in-person interactions.
- Horizon Venues: Step into digitized event spaces for immersive access to virtual concerts and sports.
| Access Option | Description |
|---|---|
| VR Headsets | Immerse yourself in the metaverse with high-tech goggles like Meta Quest. |
| AR Gear | Overlay digital elements on the real world for unconstrained movement within the Metaverse. |
| Mobile Apps | Experience basic metaverse access without investing in VR/AR gear. |
Facebook Metaverse Downsides
- Mistrust and privacy concerns: Criticisms are raised concerning user privacy within the Metaverse.
- Online harm perpetuation: The Metaverse’s capability to solve existing issues in online harm is questioned.
- Business model conflict: Tensions arise due to the perceived clash between Facebook’s profit-oriented business model and the open internet ethos.
Facebook Metaverse Use Cases
Audience: Software Developers and Hardware Engineers
The Metaverse offers vast opportunities for careers in software development (with AR and AI being notable areas), 3D game design, and hardware engineering focused on innovating VR/AR gear and virtual equipment design.
Audience: Businesses
Businesses can benefit from the Horizon Workrooms and Venues to promote collaboration, event hosting, and immersive customer experiences.
Audience: Individuals and Social Connectors
Indulge in the plethora of worlds with unique rules, currencies, and access points to connect and socialize in digital realms.
VRChat
Founded in 2014 and brought to life by the brilliant minds of Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey, VRChat has transformed the realms of augmented reality. Powered by the Unity engine and accessed through a plethora of platforms like Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, SteamVR, and even Android devices, it delivers an unparalleled user-created 3D world experience.
VRChat Top Features
- Remarkable lip sync, eye tracking, blinking, head, and hand motion mimicking capabilities for enhanced realism.
- Utilizes its inbuilt visual programming language, Udon, since 2020 to facilitate user-generated content.
- Immensely sociable interface with gameplay reminiscent of Second Life and Habbo Hotel.
- Hosting of virtual performances for classes, dance events, live music, thereby enriching the social interaction aspect.
- Implementation of an excellent standard of security with users classified into trust levels for enhanced safety.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Avatar Customization | Ranging from alien to sentient shoe with glowing bits |
| Community Engagement | Weekly newspapers, talk shows, podcasts, music events |
| Anti-cheat system | Enforced in July 2022 to maintain a fair and engaging user experience |
VRChat Limitations
- The platform generated some controversy with its allowance of minor access to adult-themed content.
- A high surge in popularity led to review bombing post the anti-cheat announcement.
- There have been several instances of avatar scaling issues despite subsequent improvements.
VRChat Pricing
VRChat is largely accessible for free, with a premium membership option, VRChat Plus, introduced in November 2020.
VRChat Use Cases
Use Case 1: Streamers and YouTubers
Its highly social and engaging nature makes it a valuable platform for streamers and YouTubers. The wide range of features and possibilities assist in creating entertaining and engaging content for their audiences.
Use Case 2: Event Organizers
For those planning virtual events, from classes, to dance events, to live music, VRChat provides a platform to host these gatherings. Its auditory and visual capabilities enhance the user experience, making it a preferred tool for event organizers.
Use Case 3: Gamers and Digital Socialites
For anyone seeking a virtual space to play, interact, and socialize, the diverse avatar customization options and engaging community of gamers and socializers create a unique experience.
