Zoom, the renowned videoconferencing platform, has revealed its latest app designed specifically for Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, scheduled to launch this Friday. The app aims to seamlessly blend videoconferencing with the user’s physical space, blurring the lines between in-person and remote meetings. According to Zoom, this innovative approach will help distributed teams feel more connected and included, as if they were in the same room.
The new Zoom app for Vision Pro enables users to deploy their “persona,” a digital avatar that accurately represents themselves, complete with facial and hand movements. This feature eliminates the need for users to stare at a face-obscuring headset, providing a more immersive and interactive experience. The app is available for download from the Vision Pro App Store, and users can scale the meeting setup to the ideal size, making it feel like they’re physically present with colleagues and customers.
In the spring, Zoom will introduce three additional features that will further enhance the meeting experience. Real-world pinning allows Vision Pro wearers to pin up to five Zoom meeting participants anywhere in their physical space, enabling users to remove the background of the pinned participants. Another exciting feature is 3D object sharing, which brings files to life by allowing users to share objects in the context of an environment. For instance, an animator or game designer can share character models with colleagues and collaborate more effectively.
Apple Vision Pro
Commenting on the new app, Smita Hashim, Chief Product Officer at Zoom, emphasized the importance of staying connected with teammates, regardless of their location or communication method. “The integration of Zoom on Apple Vision Pro and visionOS extends our platform promise of allowing participants the ultimate meeting experience from anywhere and delivers on our commitment of seamless collaboration and communication,” Hashim stated.
It’s notable that Zoom has invested time and effort into creating a tailor-made app for the Vision Pro, whereas many major platforms have declined to do so. YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify, for instance, have stated they have no plans to create bespoke apps for the Vision Pro or convert their existing apps for the device.
With the Vision Pro still in its early stages, it’s crucial for Zoom to provide a seamless and innovative experience that justifies the purchase of the headset. The new app is a significant step towards achieving this goal, as it promises to revolutionize virtual meetings and provide a more immersive and interactive experience. As the Vision Pro continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Zoom adapts and innovates to keep pace with the ever-changing terrain of virtual meetings and collaboration tools.
