Starship, the UK-based innovation studio, today announces vTime; the VR sociable network. Fusing breath-taking virtual locations with instinctive, hands-free controls, vTime offers friends and family a compelling new way to spend quality time together in virtual reality.
Using only a smartphone and a VR headset, cross-platform network vTime allows users to meet and socialise with people around the globe. Networking with friends or alone, users are able to enjoy music, and share images, videos, and spherical media in rich virtual environments. From the majestic beauty of nature through to futuristic urban landscapes, vTime transforms the smartphone into a passport to the metaverse.
vTimers can personalise their experience by customising their avatar’s appearance, creating friends lists, and hosting virtual meet-ups. Newcomers can quickly expand their social circle and immerse themselves in engaging conversations through vTime Search, which focuses on matching users based on interests and trending topics.
Friends without a headset can still be a part of the conversation by using mono mode – a 2D window into the vTime metaverse. Using a phone or tablet, spectators are able to view live public exchanges happening within vTime, or request an invite to view private chats.
“vTime takes complex technology and makes it simple, beautiful and accessible,” explains Starship CEO Martin Kenwright. “Connecting with friends, old or new, in a wealth of incredible environments couldn’t be easier – simply download the vTime app, put on the headset, and you’re away.
“VR will be huge, but surely biggest of all on mobile where there’s a massive, pre-installed user base. Unlike console and PC headsets, the barrier to entry for mobile VR is low. People are already carrying the devices that will propel VR forward in their pockets. It’s not just for the early adopters, VR is for everybody, and vTime brings social VR to virtually everyone, from virtually anywhere on virtually any device.”
The free and platform agnostic network will launch its open alpha to Android users in November. Compatible with multiple mobile headsets including Gear VR and Google Cardboard, Starship has opened a mailing list for those interested in being the first to experience the network.
Starship will reveal vTime to the press during Oculus Connect in LA in September. For interview and meeting requests, please contact Vicky Roberts and email press@starship-group.com.
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