zlacker

> Why don't we have virtual offices to wander around yet?

I worked at a place that used one.

Because the actually functionality they provide is the same as Slack, but worse in basically every way, is maybe why.

>>alabas+(OP)
This is the problem. VR/AR can add value but you really have to tailor the experience to it. And it has to be a suitable usecase.

If you just lift over what you have in 2D it becomes only more painful. But this is what most people do. Also many platforms, like Microsoft Mesh. Yes, it's cool that you can join a teams meeting in VR. But until they add something that actually takes advantage of being in VR, all it does is add more friction. Roasting marshmallows and other cutesy minigames does not add any value whatsoever.

>>wkat42+x4
I think there’s maybe a case for VR meeting rooms that you kinda teleport into, but anything beyond that is gonna be niche as hell and just a hindrance in every other case. A whole VR office space? Just gets in the way.

And I expect even a VR meeting space would see more use that’s worse than a normal video call but is happening because someone in charge is over the moon for it, than it’d see use in the far rarer cases where it’s really better.

>>alabas+K6
Well, I've done extensive trialling at work during the pandemic (when flying often just wasn't an option at all!) and I do see added value for things like workshops.

Teams has breakout rooms but they are very rigid. You have to switch to one and define them. You can't 'glance over' and see what the other rooms are doing. It's much more flexible to just walk around in a 3D space, work on a shared whiteboard you are standing around, pull in some powerpoints to discuss, and walk over to another group if you're needed (you could see them wave over). At this point it really becomes a real alternative to flying over for a workshop. Thus saving many tonnes of CO2, and much cost in flights and hotels. VR is not quite as good but it's much better at dynamic workshops than a simple video tool like Teams is. Added bonus if you are discussing potential upcoming products that you already have 3D models of. Just picking up a model and going like "Hey why don't we put the USB port on this side", this is really where this shines.

But the tool has to be really good. Other solutions like Arthur, Viverse and Spatial could do it really well (Spatial has since gone full consumer-oriented though and has lost many capabilities for business, it's now more of a luxury VRChat). Mesh can not, it is extremely limited. It's the old AltSpaceVR but dumbed down. It would have been better if they kept AltSpace as it was without messing so much with it.

>>alabas+K6
Speed of light limitations there is fundamental latency that will be noticed if you are not close enough. Many musicians are doing virtual jam sessions and 1000km is about the limit. Music is the most demanding application, depending on how your meeting is run some can handle a lot of meetings. Someone on Mars will forever be limited to just watching a presentation, someone on a different continent will need to raise their hand and be recognized before asking a question.