Zoom just unveiled its video conferencing app designed specifically for Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which launches this Friday.
The aim of the application is to “seamlessly connect video conferencing with the user’s physical space”, Zoom said on Monday, “blurring the lines of in-person and remote meetings with the Apple Vision Pro infinity canvas, helping distributed teams feel more connected and engaged.”
But what does that actually mean? For example, the updated Zoom app for Vision Pro allows you to adopt your “persona,” an accurate spatial representation — or digital avatar — showcasing your facial and hand movements. This ensures that others in a virtual meeting can observe your expressions without the obstruction of a face-covering headset.
The new Zoom app available in the Vision Pro App Store will also let you enjoy an immersive experience that can be scaled down to the ideal size, which Zoom says is great for those who want to “feel like they’re in the same room. like their colleagues and customers, without requiring additional physical equipment or setup.”
In the spring, three more and quite handy functions will come. For example, they include real-world pinning, where a Vision Pro user will be able to pin up to five Zoom meeting participants anywhere in their physical space, while also having the ability to remove the background of the pinned participants.
Additionally, 3D Object Sharing promises that the file-sharing experience “comes to life when you see objects in the context of your environment. For example, an animator or game designer could collaborate and share the latest character model through Zoom’s 3D object sharing capabilities.”
Commenting on the new app, Zoom’s Chief Product Officer Smita Hashim said the software will help teammates “stay connected no matter when and where they work or how they communicate and collaborate.”
It’s good to see that Zoom took the time to create a tailor-made app for Vision Pro, especially since many major platforms have yet to refuse to do so. YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, for example, have all said they have no current plans to create custom apps for the Vision Pro or even convert their existing iPad and iPhone apps for the device.
Here’s a look at some of the notable applications of Vision Pro which we know are on the way.
