MindArk's New Tech Thinks Businesses Are Primed for 'Ready Player One'

If you've read Ernest Cline's "Ready Player One", you've taken a peek into what he believes is a dystopian future for humanity. The world is embroiled in social and economic issues. Everyone has turned to OASIS, a "virtual reality simulator" where people work, learn and play. MindArk (Entropia Universe) is ready to bring at least part of OASIS to businesses with their new VR program that "introduces a new level of social interaction to mundane conference calls".

The new platform uses lip-syncing, head/hand movement tracking and 3D positional voice technology to create an avatar that is as expressive as its owner. This, according to MindArk, allows colleagues to "meet" with one another regardless of where they are in the world. 

It can be used for everyday business issues, or use modeling and interactive slides for a new level of immersive presentation to users around the world. Participants will be able to do much more than just virtually meet. From pitching and touring digitally-rendered buildings to conducting international symposiums with attendees from all over the world seemingly gathered in one place, MindArk’s new platform offers vast potential for making meetings more productive and engaging.

Customizable options for MindArk’s virtual reality meeting space include:

• Free ‘template’ rooms, with premium plans allowing customization of 3D models and assets as needed;
• Persistent room states, allowing users to return to a room just as they left it to continue their meeting;
• Google Drive integration enabling in-world document access.

The new program is set to be released in December for PC and Mac for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift as well as on mobile with Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream. Currently, there is a trial version available to try out.

Check out the trial version link to learn more.

What do you think of such technology? Can you imagine businesses making a heavy investment in VR technology for their employees? What practical business activities do you see benefitting from this?