Microsoft is rescuing the beloved VR social network.
The Silicon Valley social VR startup that has taken us on a roller coaster ride of emotions over the past months has big news—AltspaceVR has been acquired by Microsoft.
Back in July AltspaceVR announced they would be closing down due to lack of funding. Only weeks later, they mysteriously received new support and backing, resuscitating the social VR company back to life.
Now we know who that mysterious person or company is that came to the rescue. Announced at today’s Windows Mixed Reality event in San Francisco, AltspaceVR will be joining Microsoft as part of the family.
“AltspaceVR is one of the pioneers in immersive communications bringing people together in virtual reality from over 160 countries to attend meetups, comedy shows, yoga classes, dance parties, and large-scale events hosted by NBC, Reggie Watts, Justin Roiland, Drew Carey and more,” reads the short statement provided on Microsoft’s press release. “With the AltspaceVR team onboard we look forward to building the world’s preeminent mixed reality community.”
The announcement comes as Microsoft prepares to launch its own VR and AR platform, called Windows Mixed Reality, on October 17. AltspaceVR is expected to continue to work on PC and Mac in 2D mode, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Daydream by Google, and Samsung Gear VR.
Microsoft’s lineup of VR headsets.
AltspaceVR has hosted a variety of community events in VR, everything from stand up comedy with Reggie Watts, LGBT meetups, and science gatherings with personality Bill Nye. AltspaceVR even partnered with NBC News to host live events during the 2016 presidential election.
Although Microsoft doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to building social networks, keeping AltspaceVR alive and hopefully continuing to let the startup focus on live events around passion points is great news for us all. You can expect to see us in there tonight.
