Giovanni Russo Meta’s Horizon Worlds, the pioneering metaverse application developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is poised to achieve a milestone it had proposed nearly a year ago: equipping avatars with virtual legs. Recent reports from Uploadvr indicate that this anticipated feature is scheduled to be incorporated into Horizon Worlds in the upcoming weeks. Notably, this advancement is already accessible within a public test version of the application, specifically within the confines of Horizon Home, which serves as the default environment for every user.
The endeavor to bestow avatars with ambulatory capabilities represents a substantial step forward for Meta’s vision of a fully immersive metaverse experience. As described by Uploadvr, this evolution allows users to witness their virtual counterparts navigating the digital realm with a heightened sense of realism. However, it is imperative to underscore that the visibility of these virtual legs will be limited to a third-person perspective. This strategic decision has been made to mitigate any potential discomfort arising from discrepancies between actual leg movements and their corresponding virtual representations. The technical challenge arises from the absence of comprehensive leg-tracking hardware and software within Meta’s Quest headset ecosystem.
The introduction of avatars adorned with legs emerged as a topic of discussion in October, during Meta’s Connect keynote event. This initial revelation provoked both excitement and frustration among users, as they believed this feature would be promptly integrated into the application. Alas, it was primarily a demonstration of the innovative possibilities, rather than an imminent feature rollout. This discrepancy between expectation and reality elicited dissatisfaction from users, particularly in light of Meta’s substantial investments in advancing the metaverse.
Meta appears to be on a trajectory aimed at enhancing the appeal of Horizon Worlds, its flagship metaverse platform. One notable shift in strategy has been unveiled through the introduction of Ouro Interactive, an in-house gaming studio. This initiative, helmed by Meta’s metaverse Vice President Vishal Shah, seeks to infuse Horizon Worlds with captivating gaming experiences, effectively reinvigorating the platform. This endeavor forms part of a broader “reboot” strategy aimed at reshaping the landscape of Horizon Worlds and amplifying its allure.
Furthermore, Meta’s commitment to broadening access to its metaverse ecosystem is evident in recent developments. A closed beta phase has been initiated, enabling mobile and web users to partake in the metaverse’s immersive experiences. Vishal Shah predicts that a substantial portion of Horizon users will engage with the platform through mobile devices, underscoring Meta’s intent to cultivate accessibility.
In juxtaposition to these innovations, Meta’s Reality Labs division, responsible for metaverse research and development, has encountered fiscal challenges. The second quarter of 2023 witnessed a financial deficit of $3.7 billion, attributed to extensive research and development endeavors geared towards metaverse products, encompassing both Quest headsets and the development of Horizon Worlds.
As the metaverse continues to evolve under Meta’s stewardship, it prompts a compelling inquiry into the collective perspective. The anticipation surrounding the introduction of virtual legs for avatars underscores the dynamic nature of immersive digital experiences. As stakeholders of this ever-expanding digital frontier, the broader community is encouraged to share their insights and reflections on Meta’s metaverse journey and its forthcoming avatar mobility enhancement in the commentary section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Avatar Mobility
What is Horizon Worlds?
Horizon Worlds is a metaverse application developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook. It serves as a virtual environment where users can interact, socialize, and engage in various activities.
What are the virtual legs for avatars?
Virtual legs are a feature introduced to avatars within Horizon Worlds, allowing them to appear more realistic by simulating leg movement and mobility. This enhancement contributes to a more immersive experience.
How will the virtual legs be visible?
The virtual legs will be visible in a third-person view within Horizon Worlds. This perspective has been chosen to ensure that the representation of leg movements remains accurate and aligned with the user’s expectations.
Why were virtual legs introduced?
Virtual legs were introduced to address user expectations and desires for a more lifelike representation of avatars in the metaverse. The decision to implement this feature was influenced by Meta’s goal to create a more engaging and authentic virtual environment.
What is Ouro Interactive?
Ouro Interactive is an in-house gaming studio established by Meta to revitalize Horizon Worlds. This initiative aims to incorporate gaming experiences into the metaverse, enhancing the platform’s appeal and diversifying user interactions.
What is the closed beta for Horizon Worlds?
The closed beta for Horizon Worlds is a limited testing phase that allows mobile and web users to experience Meta’s metaverse ecosystem. This expansion of accessibility signifies Meta’s commitment to inclusivity and broader user engagement.
How is Meta addressing fiscal challenges?
Meta’s Reality Labs division, responsible for metaverse research and development, has faced financial deficits. Despite challenges, Meta continues to invest in metaverse products like Quest headsets and Horizon Worlds, seeking to innovate and propel the metaverse forward.
More about Avatar Mobility
- Horizon Worlds: Official website for Meta’s metaverse application.
- Uploadvr: Source for reports on Horizon Worlds’ avatar mobility feature.
- Meta’s Connect keynote: Insights into the presentation where avatars with legs were showcased.
- Ouro Interactive: Meta’s blog post introducing the in-house gaming studio.
- Meta’s Reality Labs: Information about the division responsible for metaverse research and development.
- Quest headsets: Details about Meta’s Quest headset family and its role in the metaverse ecosystem.
2 comments
Meta’s metaverse gettin’ revamp, virtual legs 4 avatars? sounds like nxt-gen move. but $$losses raisin’ brows, hmm.
horizon worlds soundz awsm!! avatars walkn’ legit now. meta’s really pushin’ metaverse boundries.