vTime XR

vTime XR is a free-to-play virtual reality and augmented reality social network created by British virtual and augmented reality innovation company vTime Limited[1], developed in Liverpool in the UK. Cross platform, the app allows groups of up to four users to "jump into VR or AR and talk in what is essentially a private chat room. Users can customize an avatar and select a 3D environment to host the chat inside"[2].

VTime XR
Initial releaseDecember, 2015
PlatformWindows Mixed Reality, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, iOS, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go
TypeSocial Software
Websitevtime.net/ 

Launching on Gear VR in December 2015, vTime was the first virtual reality social network on a mobile platform[3]. The app became the first social network to launch on Google Cardboard in March 2016 [4][5][6], and on Google Daydream in January 2017[7]. vTime was also the first virtual reality application to give its users the ability to socialise inside their own 360 images[8], and was later a launch title for the Windows Mixed Reality platform in October 2017[9].

In February 2019, vTime became the first cross reality (XR) social network after adding AR mode.[10][11]. The update gives users the ability to meet and chat with people in a shared virtual space using AR, VR, or 2D Magic Window mode.

Experience

"vTime likes to think of itself as a “sociable” network, rather than a social network, perhaps emphasising that these virtual social gatherings are essentially friendly and more genteel in nature than some of their counterparts".[12] The network focuses on facilitating shared conversations in virtual reality, though users without a VR headset are able to join sessions via 'Magic Window' mode on Android and iOS phones[13]. Cross platform, all user avatars support audio lip-syncing and avatar eye-tracking, and can use the network's library of virtual emojis 'vMotes' allowing "users to express themselves in numerous ways".[14] Users on high-end headsets can use platform controllers to add hand and body tracking to their sessions[15]

Funding

In April 2018, the vTime Limited announced that it had raised $7.6 million (£5.4 million) in a series A funding round to accelerate development of the app.[16]

References
  1. https://www.ft.com/content/19c2f3a4-5242-11e6-9664-e0bdc13c3bef
  2. "UK-based vTime raises $7.6 million to get people to create memories inside VR – TechCrunch". techcrunch.com. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  3. Hayden, Scott (2015-12-21). "'vTime' is a "Sociable Network", Now Available on Gear VR". Road to VR. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  4. Kar, Ian. "There's a new social network where you can hang out with real people in virtual reality". Quartz. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  5. Strange, Adario. "Virtual reality app lets you meet others in imaginary places". Mashable. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  6. "VR social network vTime hits Google Cardboard (Tomorrow Daily 330)". CNET. 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  7. "'vTime' Is Google Daydream's First Social Virtual Reality App". UploadVR. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  8. "vTime, the social network for VR, now lets you hang out in your photographs". Digital Trends. 2016-05-28. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  9. "All the VR Apps and Games Available for Windows MR Launch Day". Shacknews. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  10. Chapman, Stephen. "World's first cross reality social experience goes live". Prolific North.
  11. Takahashi, Dean. "Lead Writer, GamesBeat". VentureBeat. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  12. "Top Five VR Social Experiences". VRFocus. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  13. "vTime, the social network for VR, now lets you hang out in your photographs". Digital Trends. 2016-05-28. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  14. "Get Emotional with vTime's vMotes for Oculus Rift and Gear VR Touchpad". VRFocus. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  15. "VR Social App vTime Gets Oculus Touch Support". VRFocus. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  16. "UK-based vTime raises $7.6 million to get people to create memories inside VR – TechCrunch". techcrunch.com.
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