The Samsung Gear VR virtual reality set provides plenty of thrills, but an app called Oculus Social Alpha goes far and beyond the usual thrills. When you put on your Gear VR and launch the Social Alpha app, you are transformed into a virtual room with others from all over the world. You can see them (via cheesy avatars), hear them, and even watch a movie with them.
Engadget further summarizes the app.
"Currently available in the Oculus Store for any of Samsung's Gear VR devices (make sure you update your Oculus Video app too) the Oculus Social Alpha lets up to five people watch a Twitch or Vimeo stream in a virtual home theater setting."
"This was amazing. At one point, I pointed to show someone something on the screen and completely forgot I was sitting in my office. Alone. But I didn't feel alone in this app at all," said user castane.
"There is something oddly liberating about the focused approach Oculus is taking with Oculus Social. I didn't have to worry about finding people or finding something to do. The who and what was spelled out so clearly that I could focus on being in the moment with others. Oculus is off to a good start with this on," said user stevrwonder.
Twitter is impressed with this immersive social experience as well.