Horizon Workrooms uses virtual reality through an Oculus Quest 2 headset to bring coworkers to the same workspace, even if they’re each working from home. Users can create their own avatar to join a virtual room or connect from their computer via video call. Some of the features include the ability to collaborate on a virtual whiteboard to sketch out ideas, bring your files into VR, share your screen, configure a room’s layout for the best collaboration, and sync your Outlook or Google Calendar. Facebook said up to 16 people can be in a Workroom via VR, and up to 50 people can call into a Workroom by video. “Workrooms brings some of our best new technologies together for the first time into one experience on Quest 2,” Facebook wrote in its blog post. “Using features like mixed-reality desk and keyboard tracking, hand tracking, remote desktop streaming, video conferencing integration, spatial audio, and the new Oculus Avatars, we’ve created a different kind of productivity experience.” Another handy feature of Workrooms is that Facebook designed it to be used with your hands rather than a controller. This means you’ll be able to switch more easily between physical tools like your keyboard and a controller when needed. Facebook said it created Horizon Workrooms since more people are working remotely but still want to collaborate with a team in some form. Horizon Workrooms is available and free to download as of Thursday. Aside from Horizon Workrooms, there is also Facebook Horizon, a VR online video game for the Oculus headset that is currently in a closed, invite-only beta. The social experience allows users to design diverse avatars, hop between virtual worlds, play games, and design immersive experiences.
