Though virtual reality (VR) is often seen as somewhat isolating, a number of apps have emerged which aims to combat this by bringing people together in a virtual space. Korean communications company SK Telecom has just announced the launch of just such an application, titled Oksusu Social VR.
The app is designed to allow users to interact with each other while enjoying content such as sports games, movies or TV in the same social VR space, combining social features with one of Korea’s largest content platforms.
Users who access the app while wearing a VR headset will be able to gather in a virtual space, with up to eight users able to join a single virtual room. The app offers several different varieties of VR spaces, such as living room, movie theatre, concert hall or sports room. There are also plans to allow users to customise their own virtual space.
Each users will have their own avatar, which uses gesture recognition technology to allow users to move their avatar, to do things like wave, throw popcorn or launch paper planes. The T-Real Avatar Framework has also been applied which lets users adjust an avatar’s face and body shape and use naturalistic facial expressions.
With the coming launch of commercial 5G, Oksusu Social VR will allow for 8K UHD video, so a VR room can effectively become an IMAX theatre or a 360-degree screen.
“As realistic media services are expected to become widely popular in the upcoming era of 5G, SK Telecom is accelerating its efforts to develop innovative VR technologies and content aimed at maximizing customer experience,” said Lee Jong-min, Senior Vice President and Head of Media Technology R&D Center of SK Telecom.
Currently, Oksusu Social VR supports Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR, and can be downloaded via the Google Play Store.
For future coverage on new and upcoming social VR apps, keep checking back with VRFocus.
via Mint VR