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To celebrate “May the 4th”, we assembled in our Newark HQ in Virtual Reality for a special themed Happy Hour!

In a world where remote work has become the new norm, the concept of a physical office seems like a distant memory for many of us. But what if we could bring the essence of our headquarters to life in the digital realm? That’s exactly what my team set out to do!

Using the magic of Unity and AltspaceVR, we embarked on an ambitious project to create a digital twin of downtown Newark, NJ—the home of our headquarters. From the iconic brick building adorned with our logo to the bustling trolley station and library next door, no detail was spared in our quest to recreate the essence of our beloved HQ.

As we navigated through the virtual streets of Newark, we were joined by some of our leaders, who were astonished by the uncanny resemblance to the real thing. The immersive experience truly captured the essence of being in Newark, sparking nostalgic memories and fostering a sense of connection among our team members.

But the fun didn’t stop there! We organized virtual get-togethers with colleagues who also had VR headsets, allowing us to explore our digital HQ together in real-time. And for those without VR, fear not—thanks to the Altspace desktop app, everyone could join in on the fun and experience the magic of our virtual headquarters.

In a time when physical distance can feel isolating, our virtual HQ has become a beacon of connection and camaraderie. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a pandemic, technology has the power to bring us together and create unforgettable experiences. So, whether you’re strolling through the digital streets of Newark or chatting with colleagues from afar, one thing is for sure—our virtual HQ is where the magic happens!

Tonight I attended a Q&A with Ernest Cline in Bigscreen VR! (https://lnkd.in/eTU_QNc)

Ernest Cline, renowned author of “Ready Player One,” discussed his fascination with virtual reality (VR) and its potential impact on society in a BigScreen VR interview during quarantine. He admitted to sending Oculus Quests to friends and family to facilitate virtual hangouts and watch parties. His latest book, “Ready Player Two,”, delves into VR advancements and the ethical implications they pose, drawing inspiration from collaborations with Steven Spielberg and real-world technological progress. Cline explores the convergence of VR with haptic technology and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), highlighting its potential for shared virtual experiences and social interaction. In the interview, he reflected on the prescience of “Ready Player One” regarding societal shifts like the reality of kids having to experience virtual classrooms amid the pandemic. Despite acknowledging the addictive allure of immersive VR, Cline shared his gratitude for witnessing the evolution of technology in his lifetime, from those prehistoric days of playing outside as a kid through the evolution of early computers to today’s interconnected digital landscape.

For those who love VR, Ready Player Two’s audiobook is now available on Audible (https://lnkd.in/e78pJyE)

This week marked an exciting milestone as I attended the first class of course 2 in VR App Building with Nicolas Barone—a recent Cornell graduate whose innovative response to the pandemic has created new opportunities for connection and creativity. Through his series of courses hosted in AltspaceVR, Nicolas has not only facilitated learning but also fostered a tight-knit community that transcends physical boundaries.

In tonight’s session, Nicolas showed up in our meta-classroom as a holographic video where we caught a glimpse of his non-avatar self for the first time—a moment that added a layer of personal connection to our virtual interactions. It was quite surreal to see our instructor in non-avatar form within our virtual world.  Hilariously, his digital twin didn’t have feet, much like his Altspace avatar.

But what truly impresses me about these courses is the sense of camaraderie in the virtual classroom. Despite meeting as avatars VR, I felt a genuine bond with colleagues from the past courses, a testament to the power of virtual reality in forging meaningful connections.

Unity, the platform we’re learning to navigate, proved to be not just a tool for development but also a source of endless fun and creativity. As we embarked on this journey of learning Unity development, building our portfolios, and making friends with brilliant minds from around the world, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of learning Unity development, building a portfolio, and forming bonds with like-minded individuals, I encourage you to check out TryUniverse.com. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the limitless possibilities of virtual reality and build connections that transcend physical barriers. Together, we can shape the future of VR and create a community that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie.

 Check out TryUniverse.com

#altspacevr

#unity

#microsoft

I graduated from Introduction to Unity! Interested in learning Unity? I highly recommend TryUniverse.com! Nicolas Barone teaches in AltspaceVR! (That is me on stage collecting my diploma!) #VR #augmentyourexperience #Altspacevr

Getting VC fatigue? Sick of staring at the same 2D screen all day? Me too. Wouldn’t it be neat to be sitting in a lounge on a virtual space ship, staring at a larger than life planet earth out the floor to ceiling window while you browse the web on a 6′ tall virtual monitor? Guess what? I’m doing that right now as I type this post. The earth is turning (or my space ship is orbiting?) Either way, I’m sold.

Are you feeling the effects of VC fatigue, tired of the monotony of staring at the same 2D screen day in and day out? If so, you’re not alone. Like many of us, I’ve found myself yearning for a change of scenery, a break from the confines of traditional workspaces.

Enter ImmersedVR. This innovative app offers a refreshing solution to the challenges of remote work, transporting users to virtual environments that defy the limitations of traditional screens. Picture yourself lounging in a virtual space ship, gazing out of a floor-to-ceiling window at a larger-than-life planet Earth, all while browsing the web on a massive 6-foot-tall virtual monitor. Sounds incredible, right?

Guess what? I’m doing that right now as I type this post. As I type this post, I find myself immersed in a captivating virtual space, with the Earth gently turning below me (or is it my space ship orbiting?). Either way, I’m sold. The experience is nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a welcome escape from the confines of traditional workspaces.

Whether you’re looking to break free from VC fatigue or simply seeking a more dynamic work environment, I highly recommend giving ImmersedVR a try.

To learn more about ImmersedVR and experience the future of remote work for yourself, be sure to check out their website at ImmersedVR.com. Trust me, once you experience the wonders of virtual workspace, you’ll never look back.

Check out ImmersedVR.com

Recently I’ve been listening to a Podcast called Imaginary Worlds, which is about science fiction and other fantasy genres – hosted by Eric Molinsky. I’m completely hooked. At Audible, we Draw Inspiration from Culture and Technology and this podcast hits that sweet spot. He interviews experts from psychologists to directors and enthusiasts from collectors to die hard fans and covers a variety of pop culture themes. Each episode is expertly crafted with music and a well thought out topic to delight the geekiest of listeners. If you’re a geeky sci-fi junkie like me, check it out and let me know what you think! https://lnkd.in/eTF-EGG

A Review of The Under Presents: Tempest

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the 8pm showing of The Under Presents: Tempest, an immersive theatrical performance by Tender Claws. Set within the virtual realm of Virtual Reality, this unique production reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest in a captivating and interactive format.

What set this production apart from other VR experiences thus far was its innovative approach to storytelling, seamlessly blending traditional theater with the immersive and social capabilities of VR. For 20 minutes, a solo actor masterfully narrated and directed an interactive performance of the timeless tale of The Tempest, while the audience hilariously participated as silent actors. 

As the landscape morphed seamlessly from one scene to the next, the small audience was actively engaged in the portrayal of the story, becoming integral participants in the unfolding narrative. It was an experience unlike anything I had witnessed in VR before, combining the magic of live theater with the immersive elements of multiplayer gaming.

The blend of storytelling and multiplayer gaming was pretty awesome. It showcased the limitless possibilities of VR as a medium for immersive entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in virtual storytelling.

For those interested in learning more about this groundbreaking production, I highly recommend checking out the insightful review by The New York Times on The Tempest by Tender Claws. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative vision and technical ingenuity behind this unforgettable theatrical experience.

NY Times post on The Tempest by Tender Claws.

This week I finished listening to Future Presence: How Virtual Reality Is Changing Human Connection, Intimacy, and the Limits of Ordinary Life by Peter Rubin. Well narrated, contains humour.

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