Zoom has launched a standalone app for Meta Quest VR headsets, allowing users to attend video conferences as animated avatars. The app is compatible with all Zoom licenses and supports Meta’s popular VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, Quest 2, and Quest 3S.
This strategic move underscores Zoom’s growing interest in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to redefine how people engage in remote communication.
A New Dimension of Virtual Meetings
According to Meta’s official blog, the newly released Zoom app is a seamless extension of the Zoom Workplace platform, traditionally used on smartphones and desktops. This VR version allows users to enter virtual meetings as avatars in either Immersion Mode or Passthrough Mode.
- Immersion Mode: Creates a full virtual environment around the user, helping eliminate distractions and keeping the focus on conversations.
- Passthrough Mode: Enables augmented reality by blending the user’s real surroundings with virtual elements, enhancing the sense of presence.
Regardless of how users join—from desktop, mobile, or VR headsets—participants will see a consistent animated avatar for those using Meta Quest devices.
Broad Compatibility and Familiar Interface
The Zoom Meetings app for VR is compatible with:
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
- Meta Quest Pro
- Meta Quest 2
The app mirrors Zoom’s desktop UI but optimizes navigation for VR. A vertical sidebar now houses key sections like Home, Team Chat, Meetings, and Contacts, making it easy to move between functions in the 3D interface.
AI and VR Take Center Stage at Zoom
Zoom’s partnership with Meta comes amid the video conferencing giant’s wider push into AI and immersive technologies. CEO Eric Yuan recently stated in an interview that his vision includes AI-generated digital twins to represent users in meetings, effectively allowing people to be present without being physically involved.
Back in March 2024, Zoom introduced a series of upgrades to its AI Companion, including customizable avatars for Zoom Clips, enabling AI to automatically generate professional video content on behalf of users.
Earlier this year, Zoom also announced its app for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, further signaling its commitment to leading in AR/VR meeting experiences. While Apple’s approach involves photorealistic avatars, Meta’s Zoom integration offers more playful, animated representations.
Conclusion
The Zoom Meta Quest app marks a significant step in transforming virtual communication through immersive technologies. By blending AI avatars, AR/VR environments, and cross-device compatibility, Zoom and Meta are making it easier—and more engaging—for users to connect, collaborate, and communicate in the virtual world.
As hybrid and remote work models evolve, tools like these will continue to shape the future of digital collaboration. With Zoom’s focus on avatar technology and Meta’s VR expertise, this partnership is poised to bring the next generation of workplace meetings to life.
