【2016 Archives】

Let's face it: For most of us016 Archives the novelty of video chatting (whether with co-workers or friends) has worn off since the pandemic started. But Spatial's new mobile app, available for iOS and Android, might just be what we all need to get us excited again.

If you've never heard of Spatial before, it's likely you don't own a virtual reality headset either. The startup, which was founded back in 2016, was originally available for enterprise consumers. Over the last couple of years, it's been making its way into the mainstream, in an effort to compete with the likes of video chat apps such as Zoom and Google Hangouts.

Available on VR headsets like the Oculus Quest, Microsoft's HoloLens, and Magic Leap, the app allows users to meet in virtual office spaces to collaborate together throughout the workday. But seeing as how it's highly unlikely everyone's co-workers own VR headsets (and most of us aren't going back to the office any time soon), Spatial has made its software accessible on devices that almost everyone owns: smartphones and tablets.

You can grab objects! Credit: spatial You can also doodle (or jot down ideas) on tons of sticky notes. Credit: spatial

Rather than opting for a standard video call, the company walked me through a demo using a beta version of the new mobile app. I snapped a selfie, created my avatar, and virtually materialized in the middle of a large conference room where the Spatial team was waiting for me.

Throughout the demo, I was able to move my avatar freely around the room, doodle on a sticky note, follow along with a PowerPoint presentation, and more.

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Using my avatar, I was also able to speak natural via my mic to the team members, "face to face," without feeling distracted the way I would through video chat — particularly because I'm always staring at myself and not the person (oops). Sure, Spatial's simulated lip syncing doesn't look the most natural whenever someone is speaking, but it's far more entertaining than staring at a grid of faces via Zoom.

When it comes to collaborative features, Spatial's mobile app offers the same capabilities you'd find using the VR version. So, you don't have to feel like you're missing out if you're not joining in via a fancy headset.

SEE ALSO: Myst’s Oculus Quest makeover is the coolest way to revisit this classic

So, what are those features, exactly? Well, there's the Note feature, which allows you to scribble, draw, or write ideas down for all to see. You also have full access to your cloud files including integrations with OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. That way, you can easily pull up any documents or spreadsheets to view and edit together. Additionally, you can also take photos from your device and upload them right away.

But if you're still itching for that fully immersive experience, augmented reality is the closest you'll get with your smartphone. Using Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore, the app has a specific button that places the virtual space wherever you are in your home — whether that's the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or wherever you take work calls.

However, while the mobile app is certainly an option for everyone, Spatial hopes it acts as an introduction to virtual reality. Since headsets aren't the most affordable or practical devices to drop money on in general, let alone during a pandemic, trying it out on your phone first is likely the better option.

Who knows, if your team gets superinto Spatial, maybe you can convince your boss to purchase a few VR headsets. For work purposes, obviously.

Related Video: Here are some private video chat alternatives to Zoom

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