Facebook has launched Horizon Workrooms, a platform for collaboration in virtual reality

Facebook has decided to slightly update business processes in companies. She announced the launch of an open beta test of the Horizon Workrooms platform. This is a VR space where teams can work remotely or hold meetings.

What is known about Horizon Workrooms:

• the principle of operation of the platform is simple — employees first register in Horizon Workrooms, then someone creates a special workroom and invites colleagues to it. At the meeting, users appear as cartoon avatars;
• the platform tracks the facial expressions and hand movements of users, so, according to Facebook, the virtual meeting is as similar as possible to the real one;
• Despite the fact that Horizon Workrooms puts people in virtual reality, a VR headset is not required to use the platform. You can also get into it using a computer or smartphone via a video call. Video participants will not receive an avatar, but will be displayed in the room on a special screen, as during a regular video conference. Those who want to use VR-functions will need a Quest 2 headset.;
• at the same time, 50 people can be in Horizon Workrooms, of which only 16 are VR avatars;
• the size and design of the rooms are configured in advance;
• you can “bring” a real computer to the virtual room. However, to do this, it must be linked to the Oculus Remote Desktop application. Then the platform will allow you to print, take notes or share the screen;
• one of the features of Horizon Workrooms is a workboard on which you can write or draw using a controller. The board can be made of any size, and records from it can be exported to the cloud;
• as Facebook promises, Horizon Workrooms will not record and use information from conversations inside rooms for advertising;
• Horizon Workrooms is available in countries where Quest 2 is supported. Russia is not among them.

Note that Horizon Workrooms is part of the social “VR sandbox” Horizon. Its closed beta started in 2020, and it is still unknown when it will come out of testing. In Horizon, users can chat, watch movies and build their own worlds.