VIVE Sync as a free VR tool for collaboration

HTC Vive has confirmed that "VIVE Sync" is being made available free of charge as a beta version for companies and remote workers. The "VIVE Sync" platform is used for remote work and meetings and comes from the first-party developer 2 Bears Studio.

Developed specifically for companies to improve communication and productivity, "VIVE Sync" is a secure and intuitive VR collaboration tool that allows internal and external teams to meet in a virtual space. Using the "Avatar Creator" mobile app, which is available via the Apple App Store and Google Play, participants can create customised and dynamic avatars based on their appearance. Through full-body tracking, the participants' avatars show their real body language and signal to their colleagues that they are paying attention. "VIVE Sync" also supports Tobii eye tracking.

The official description says: "With support for up to 30 participants simultaneously, VIVE Sync is the ideal tool for internal creative meetings, online class meetings, virtual press conferences and even remote sales presentations. Integrated with OneDrive, participants can easily share materials such as videos, PowerPoint presentations, 2D and 3D data directly from their server. Important decisions and information can be shared through screenshots or voice-to-text notes outside of Sync."

"VR has the unique ability to connect employees and external teams as if they were in the same physical space - no other tool or medium can offer that," said David Sapienza, AVP, Content Production, 2 Bears Studio. "VIVE Sync enables colleagues and partners around the world to interact in a shared virtual space, optimising productivity, collaboration and team cohesion. The future of work is rapidly becoming globalised - more working from home and VR are the solution that will shape this new reality in a sustainable way."

Functions available from the start:

• OneDrive support - Easy, secure uploading and sharing of internal files to and from the application. Share PowerPoint, PDFs, videos and images on large meeting room displays.
• 3D model display - Upload 3D models and scaling for detailed views and internal meetings.
• 3D drawing - For writing notes on models and files and improvised whiteboard sessions.
• Customised avatar design - Better immersion with customised avatars based on the user's appearance.
• Personal notes - Speech-to-text notes and screenshots ensure that important information makes the leap out of VR.
• Conference tables and auditorium seating - Depending on the number of participants, you can gather around the usual conference table or in an auditorium.
• VIVE ecosystem support - VIVE Sync is compatible with all VIVE devices, including standalone and PC VR headsets.

Upgrades planned for the future:

• Extended hardware compatibility - Support for the larger VR ecosystems such as the Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Windows Mixed Reality and Valve Index devices.
• Meeting control - Complete control over large meetings and gatherings and reduce distractions with features such as muting participants or blocking certain features.
• Non-VR PC participation - Enables participants without a VR headset to take part in a meeting using a non-VR PC viewer.
• Recording of meetings - Recording of complete meetings for forwarding, e.g. to participants who are unable to attend.

Source: Press release