Explore Zoom's VisionOS & How its Revolutionising Virtual Meetings with AR

A key innovation in Zoom's VisionOS, designed for the Apple Vision Pro headset, is the introduction of the "persona" feature, enabling users to represent themselves by digital avatars during Zoom calls. Essentially, these personas are sophisticated digital versions of the users, crafted to represent them in virtual meetings. When you engage in a Zoom call using the Apple Vision Pro headset, your persona - a digital avatar - appears in place of your live video feed. This avatar is more than just a static image; it is a dynamic representation that mimics your facial and hand movements in real time, thanks to the advanced scanning technology of Vision Pro. This feature not only adds a layer of personalisation to virtual meetings but also enhances the realism and interactivity of online interactions, making remote communication more engaging and expressive.

The Apple Vision Pro headset, priced at £2,764, will offer access to nearly 200 apps, including popular streaming services. However, the absence of apps like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube highlights some industry hesitance.

Leveraging AR Technology for Enhanced Meeting Experiences

Zoom's integration with the Apple Vision Pro headset brings a revolutionary approach to virtual meetings through the utilisation of augmented reality (AR) technology. This advanced feature transforms the way users experience video calls, offering an unprecedented level of immersion and interactivity.

• Augmented Reality in Action: The AR capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro headset allow Zoom to present video calls not just on a screen but as a floating window in the user's physical space. Imagine seeing your colleagues' faces or presentation materials hovering in your room, as if they are right there with you. This creates a sense of presence that traditional video calls simply cannot match.
• Customisable Virtual Environments - The power of AR technology extends beyond just floating windows. Users can customise their virtual environment. Whether it's placing a digital whiteboard in your workspace or arranging virtual screens around you, the flexibility of AR ensures that each user can create a setup that best suits their needs and enhances their productivity.
• Interactivity and Collaboration - AR in Zoom calls opens up new avenues for interaction and collaboration. Participants can point, gesture, and interact with shared 3D objects or data in real-time. This feature makes remote meetings more dynamic and engaging, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that mirrors in-person interactions.
• Blurring the Lines Between Physical and Digital - By leveraging AR, Zoom and the Apple Vision Pro are blurring the lines between physical and digital spaces. This not only enhances the realism of remote communications but also introduces new possibilities for presentations, workshops, and collaborative work sessions. It's a step towards a future where the distinction between being physically present and joining virtually becomes increasingly seamless.
• Accessibility and Ease of Use: Despite its advanced technology, the AR feature is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It's intuitive and easy to use, ensuring that even those new to AR can quickly adapt and make the most out of their virtual meetings.
• A Glimpse into the Future of Remote Interaction: This implementation of AR technology is just a glimpse into the potential future of remote interaction. As the technology evolves, we can expect even more innovative features that further enhance virtual communication, making it more efficient, engaging, and close to the real-life experience.

User Concerns about the Persona Feature: 

While the persona feature in Zoom's VisionOS app for the Apple Vision Pro headset introduces an innovative way to represent oneself in virtual meetings, it has also raised some concerns among users. These concerns primarily revolve around the practicality and maintenance of these digital avatars.

• Constant Updating of Avatars: A significant worry is the need for users to frequently update their avatars to reflect their current appearance. Users question the feasibility of regularly altering their digital persona to match changes in their real-world appearance, such as hairstyle modifications or facial hair growth. This constant updating could become a cumbersome task, especially for those who use Zoom frequently for professional meetings.
• Authenticity in Meetings: Another concern is the loss of authenticity in meetings. Part of the appeal of video calls is the ability to see people as they currently are, which fosters a sense of connection and authenticity. With pre-set digital avatars, there's a risk that this personal touch might be lost. Users are questioning whether this feature, intended to enhance the virtual meeting experience, might instead detract from the genuine human interaction that video calls currently offer.
• Professional Implications: In a professional context, one also considers how one's avatar is perceived. Users may feel pressured to maintain professionalism in their avatar's appearance, which could lead to additional stress and time spent on managing their digital persona.

 To address these concerns, Zoom could consider implementing more user-friendly avatar customisation tools, making it easier and quicker to update avatars. Additionally, offering a range of preset avatars that can be quickly adjusted to reflect minor appearance changes could be a practical solution. Another approach could be the integration of AI technology that automatically updates the user's avatar based on periodic scans, reducing the need for manual updates.

It's crucial for Zoom to actively seek and incorporate user feedback on the persona feature. By understanding user preferences and concerns, Zoom can iterate on this feature to ensure it adds value to the virtual meeting experience without becoming a hindrance.