【Scarlett Fay Archives】

It's been almost two years since the coronavirus pandemic made remote working the norm,Scarlett Fay Archives yet tech companies are still rolling out overcomplicated collaboration tools nobody asked for in an attempt to capitalise on our Zoom malaise. Today's submission: Oculus Quest 2's Horizon Workrooms, now in free open beta.

Announced by Facebook on Thursday, Horizon Workrooms is a virtual meeting space that will let colleagues gather in VR and work from the same virtual "room." Workrooms include virtual whiteboards which you can export as an image, configurable room layouts, and the ability to use your computer in the virtual room via keyboard tracking and the Oculus Remote Desktop companion app. They literally put work in your work so you can work while you work.

"[Horizon Workrooms] is designed to improve your team’s ability to collaborate, communicate, and connect remotely, through the power of VR — whether that’s getting together to brainstorm or whiteboard an idea, work on a document, hear updates from your team, hang out and socialize, or simply have better conversations that flow more naturally," said Facebook in a press release.

If you decide to use a controller, Workrooms will let you wield it like a pen in its virtual space. However Horizon Workrooms also supports hand tracking, so you don't won't need to worry about a controller slipping from your sweaty palms while your boss chews you out more naturally thanks to glorious VR.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

"Workrooms is one of our first experiences that was designed from the start to use your hands, and not controllers, as your primary input," said Facebook.

SEE ALSO: The future of remote work is a lot like living in a video game

Of course, the fact that few workplaces are likely to provide all their employees with Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets means the actual audience for Facebook's new work platform is severely limited. Fortunately Facebook has thought of this, also making Horizon Workrooms available via the web so the lowly browser proles can mingle with the shining demigods of VR. One Horizons Workroom space can support up to 50 collaborators at once, including up to 16 privileged few in virtual reality.

Web users appear via video call on a virtual screen, so the interactivity isn't quite the same. However, everyone in a room can access the Workrooms web app regardless of VR status, providing a space to write notes, share links, and chat. It can also be synced with Outlook and Google Calendar.

Use your computer to use your Oculus to use your computer. Credit: Facebook

On the face of it, VR workspaces such as Horizon Workrooms seem like more of a novel distraction than a practical long-term tool. Though to be fair, pretty much everyone could use a distraction right now, and the break in monotony can prompt engagement and creativity. Plus you can customise your own Oculus Avatartoo, so that's fun. Horizon Workrooms' free open beta is available to download now.

Related Video: The future of VR is here with the Oculus Quest 2

Topics Virtual Reality

• Shopping
• Digital Culture
• Social Good
• Tech
• Science
• Entertainment
• Deals
• Games

• Patched Desktop PC: Meltdown & Spectre Benchmarked
• Juneteenth is now an official federal holiday
• Google app is crashing for many users today. Here's a fix.
• Ellen DeGeneres, Uma Thurman speak out against Roy Moore
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K deal: Get 40% off
• The finale of 'Blue Planet II' carried a message that should be heard by all
• Google app is crashing for many users today. Here's a fix.
• HBO Max sends out mysterious email, everyone makes the same joke
• Put Me In, Coach!
• Nuro delivers FedEx packages in driverless vehicles

• These Louis Vuitton
• 'Parasite' makes history with major award win, standing ovation from half of Hollywood
• 2 dogs just had an incredible engagement photoshoot so the rest of us might as well give up
• This new breastfeeding help chatbot frustrates more than it informs
• Theresa May signing Brexit letter is the meme you've been waiting for
• Watching 'Little Women': We were four sisters. Now we are three.
• Report: Apple to unveil new, cheaper iPhone 'as early as March'
• Etsy shops filling the Baby Yoda toy void hit with takedown notices
• Fitbit Alta HR Review: Good tracking, but lacks actionable insights
• Dallas bookstore is selling the world on classic novels with clickbait headlines

• Best robot vacuum deal: Eufy Omni C20 robot vacuum and mop at record
• 'Rick and Morty' Season 5 premiere review: "Mort Dinner Rick Andre"
• Why passengers might actually feel safe in Zoox self
• British TV presenter gets caught out by the oldest prank in the book
• Best iPad deal: Save $132 on Apple iPad (10th Gen)
• Taylor Swift announces 'Red (Taylor's Version)' with sweet, emotional note
• Facebook's Oculus is testing in
• Why passengers might actually feel safe in Zoox self
• Amazon Prime Grubhub deal: Save $10 off orders of $20 or more
• Ellen DeGeneres, Uma Thurman speak out against Roy Moore

• 'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 5: The spores are here!
• Video surfaces of Roy Moore being interviewed by 12
• The chilling reason everyone's sharing that 'New Yorker' story about dating
• Taylor Swift announces 'Red (Taylor's Version)' with sweet, emotional note
• Contingent No More
• Taylor Swift announces 'Red (Taylor's Version)' with sweet, emotional note
• Can you use Bitcoin on Amazon for Prime Day, or nah?
• The IKEA monkey meme is now half a decade old
• NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for April 23: Tips to solve Connections #212
• The Pope has way too much faith in the way we use social media