4 - Manual: Spatial.io for VR-Enhanced Teamwork
Manual will offer step by step guides on how to use VR devices, setting up your headset and how to install Spatial paltform for use and gives information for platforms; Horizon Workroom and Glue.
VR headset
VR headset allows users to have an immersive experience where user engagement is greater than using desktop or mobile device and when using a headset, the user is not disturbed by other engaging elements surrounded.
The Agile XR project decided to purchase the same devices for all partners so that all material produced in the project can be equally compared. Agile XR project criteria to choose headset was accessibility, price, performance, and ability to cooperate with different software.
Oculus / Meta 2 quest was selected.
Some qualities listed that led us to purchase Oculus Quest 2.
Oculus Quest 2 is wireless, it has a Usb-c cable, adjustable to your head size and lightweight, reasonable price and the quality of display resolution and processor.
VR devices are easier to use when personalised. Most software recognises user headset and device as a pair.
Oculus headset requires a Facebook account to operate.
When devices have multiple users or groups of students, it is easiest to create accounts and emails for the project. We created several Google accounts for multiple users.
How to get started with your VR headset
You can use the Oculus Quest 2 Unboxing, Setup and Review YouTube video when setting up your headsetSetting up the Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2) involves several steps to get your VR headset ready for use. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up the Meta Quest 2:
Note! Before starting the setup process, make sure you have a smartphone or tablet and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Charge the Headset:
Connect the included USB-C cable to the charging port on the Meta Quest 2 headset.
Plug the other end into a USB power source, such as a computer USB port or a USB wall adapter.
Let the headset charge until it's at least partially charged to ensure a smooth setup process.
Download the Meta Quest App:
On your smartphone or tablet, go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Search for and download the "Meta Quest" app (formerly Oculus app).
Turn On the Meta Quest 2:
Press and hold the power button on the right side of the Meta Quest 2 headset until you see the Oculus logo.
Pair the Headset with the App:
Open the Meta Quest app on your smartphone or tablet.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the headset with the app. Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled.
Connect to Wi-Fi:
In the Meta Quest app, you will be prompted to connect your headset to Wi-Fi. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password if required.
Set Up Your Guardian Boundary:
The Guardian system helps you define a safe play area. Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to draw your Guardian boundary by pointing the headset controller at the ground.
Adjust Your View:
Put on the headset and adjust the straps to fit comfortably.
Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust your view by moving the headset up and down, left and right, until it's comfortable and clear.
Complete the Tutorial:
The Meta Quest 2 will guide you through a tutorial to help you get familiar with the controllers and basic interactions.
Download VR Content:
Using the Meta Quest app on your smartphone or directly on the headset, browse and download VR content, games, and apps from the Oculus Store.
Link or Enable Facebook Account (Optional):
If prompted, you can link your Meta Quest 2 with your Facebook account or create a new one. This step is usually optional but might be required for certain features.
Explore VR:
Once you've completed the setup and downloaded some VR content, you can start exploring and enjoying the virtual reality experiences on your Meta Quest 2.
Optional: Set Up a Virtual Desktop (PC Connection):
If you want to connect your Meta Quest 2 to a PC for access to PC VR content, you can follow the instructions in the Oculus PC app to set up Oculus Link or use Air Link if your PC and headset support it.
. Factory reset Oculus Quest 2
You might need to reset your device if you need to change the user profile or sometimes the device is loaded with unwanted material for example. Once you successfully factory reset your Quest 2, it will be in the same state when you first took it out of the box. All of your previous data will be deleted.
Start you reset:
Turn your headset off and put the headset on. Hold the power and volume-down button down until you see the boot screen. Please note that these are representations of the boot screen by Oculus. It may look a little different in your Quest, but the principle is the same.
Picture of Oculus 2 Quest headset showing the location of the buttons.
Use the volume buttons to highlight "Factory Reset" and press the power button to select it.
Wait for the reset to complete.
Horizon Workroom
One of the first platforms we tested was Horizon Workroom,
It is a virtual reality (VR) collaboration software developed by Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). It was designed to facilitate remote work and collaboration in a virtual environment.
Horizon Workroom creates a virtual office environment in VR. Users can join the workspace using Oculus VR headsets, such as the Oculus Quest 2, to meet and collaborate with others as avatars in a virtual room.
The platform employs spatial audio technology, which means that the sound of voices and other audio sources comes from the direction of the avatar, making conversations feel more natural.
Users can engage in real-time discussions, share screens, documents, and whiteboards, making it suitable for a range of collaborative activities, from business meetings to brainstorming sessions.
Horizon Workroom allows users to customise their virtual workspaces, including room layouts, furniture, and decorations. This customization can help create a personalised and comfortable atmosphere.
While Horizon Workroom primarily targets VR users, it also offers a desktop mode for participants who do not have VR headsets. This ensures that non-VR users can still participate in meetings.
They offer a workroom which is a space to chat, share files and meet with coworkers. Workrooms exist in both 2D and VR — so you can shift between the two environments without missing a beat. (Available on Meta Quest 2 and web)
To sign in you need to create a Meta account.
A host creates the workroom and sends out invitations on PC.
Guests create a workroom account from invitation and pair it with their headset.
Workroom account setup requires a computer only.
Any email works. No singing in with a Facebook or Google account.
Available features:
- avatar setup
- desk setup, no locomotion or teleport
- whiteboard
- image import
- screen sharing
-chat with virtual replicas of office tools
-integrations with calendar apps
Glue
Glue is a virtual collaboration platform designed for remote meetings and teamwork.
In the year 2023 Glue has developed more tools to customise avatars, making them more interactive, head and hand movements of VR users are tracked and perceived by other users.
Glue offers spatial audio and each user`s voice realistically emanates from their avatar`s position, Glue has a library of ready and customizable spaces for different kinds of meetings and collaboration. Tools like sticky notes and whiteboards are available, they offer the ability to work with imported 3D models.
Glue allows free test use for up to 10 users.
Glue has VR and web signup.
User has to create an account and install Glue and log in.
Signing up using invitation via email.
Available features:
-Gloud file for users
-Speech-to-text capabilities
-3D drawing - pen to draw, colour selection, moveable assets, unable to erase or save
-Laser pointer
-Camera, screenshot
-Clock
-Whiteboard - brush/ colour selection, realistic eraser
-Sticky notes
-Visible username on top of avatars
-Desktop view
-Locations
-Team files - images, 3D drawing, import/ export through Glue web.
-Time duration - 30 minutes, 10 users max (free version)
Other comments
Glue app cannot be found on Oculus store (desktop)
Glue app did not show up in Oculus store at the beginning from the headset.
https://glue.work/setup-quest/
https://glue.work/setup-desktop/
https://glue.work/setup-pc-vr/
https://www.immersivelearning.news/2021/02/18/glue-2-0-vr-tool-for-collaboration/
Spatial platform for customizes spaces
Towards the end of this project, we tested Spatial and found it useful for several reasons. It did not have many distractions and it was easy to access and register an account.
The main reason we chose Spatial.io for further testing and VR environment development platform was its Creator Toolkit (published during our testing phase) which enabled us to build custom environments and functionality using Unity game engine. So the customization possibilities were far better than with other platforms.
Spatial gives several options for registration. For creating an account, profile and avatar you need to choose your preference of signing in. You can do this with any device; tablet, desktop computer, VR headset or mobile phone. Once you access the platform you will get a variety of worlds to explore. You are also able to create your own spaces.
Spatial.io is a collaboration and communication platform that leverages augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create immersive and interactive virtual workspaces. It allows users to meet, collaborate, and interact as avatars in a shared 3D space. Spatial.io is designed to enhance remote work, meetings, and collaboration by providing a more immersive and engaging experience.
Spatial.io provides virtual environments or workspaces where users can gather for meetings, presentations, discussions, and collaborative activities.
Users are represented as avatars within the virtual environment, enabling realistic interactions, movements, and expressions.
The platform supports real-time collaboration with features such as interactive whiteboards, document sharing, 3D object manipulation, and spatial audio for realistic sound positioning.
Spatial.io may integrate with various software and tools, making it possible to import content, access documents, and collaborate seamlessly within the virtual workspace.
While designed for immersive AR and VR experiences, Spatial.io may offer desktop and mobile versions, allowing users to join meetings and interact with the virtual environment without VR hardware.
Users may have the option to customise virtual environments, creating unique meeting spaces and layouts.
Spatial.io aims to bridge the gap between remote team members, enabling more engaging and effective collaboration regardless of geographical location.
https://support.spatial.io/hc/en-us/articles/360060057511-New-to-Spatial-Start-here-
https://support.spatial.io/hc/en-us/articles/360043031872-How-to-Create-or-Join-a-Spatial-Space
https://www.alpha3d.io/3d-to-ar-spatial-alpha3d/
Spatial account setup (desktop)
That this manual is for a quick set up. Take a note, that this requires you to have a Google-account.
Open the browser and go to https://www.spatial.io/, but make sure you have signed in to you google-account before setting up the Spatial account.
Once you reach the landing page, select “Log In” on the top right corner of the page.
This will open a pop-up window. Select “Google”.
A second pop-up window will open. Select the google account you have
Spatial account setup (desktop)
signed in with. Remember that you need to have signed in before this step.
After selecting the google account you are taken into a new page. Agree to the terms to activate the account and finalizing the Spatial account setup.
Type in the name you want to have in Spatial. This can be changed later.
After confirming the name, you will be taken into you personal space where you can set up your avatar.
Avatar setup
First, you'll need to create an account on the Ready Player Me website. Go to https://readyplayer.me/ and click the "Sign up" button at the top right corner of the page.
Next, you'll be prompted to enter your email address and create a password. Fill in the required fields and click the "Create Account" button.
Once you've created your account, you'll be directed to the Ready Player Me dashboard. From here, you can start creating your avatar by clicking the "Create Avatar" button.
You'll then be prompted to choose a base model for your avatar. There are several options to choose from, including male, female, and non-binary models. Select the one that best represents you and click "Next".
Next, you'll be taken to the customization screen where you can choose various features for your avatar, such as hairstyle, facial hair, eye color, skin tone, and clothing. You can use the sliders and color pickers to adjust the different features until you're happy with how your avatar looks.
Once you've customized your avatar, click the "Finish" button to save your changes.
You can then download your avatar as an image file, which you can use on various platforms such as social media, gaming, and virtual events.
Spatial desktop
Toolbar: Managing functions such as mike, emotes and screenshare
Chat function
Forgot the controls? The “?” Icon one the left corner opens a tips-tab
“Leave”-button lets you exiting the space
SketchFab integration
To easily create a SKetchfab account it is recommended to have a google account.
To access the Sketchfab-tab, press “Add content”-icon. You can find the icon at the bottom of the screen.
Select the Sketchfab tab.
Klick the “Connect your Sketchfab account” button
Select to log in with Google.
Select the account of you choice.
Choose the username and agree to the Terms of use and Privacy policy. Select “Create Account”.
Connect the accounts by selecting “Accept”.
Meta account setup
Navigate to Meta's site and select Set up an account with email.
Enter your email address and select Next.
Enter your name and select Next.
Enter your birthday and select Next.
Create a password and select Next.
Verify the information you’ve entered, and select Create account.
Retrieve the verification code from your email, and select Continue.
Your account is now ready. You can use it to log into your Quest and the Meta Quest app.
Install Oculus app on phone
Open the app store on your phone. If you're using an iPhone, it's the App Store. If you're using an Android device, it's Google Play Store.
In the search bar, type "Oculus" and search for the Oculus app.
Once you find the Oculus app, tap on it to open its page.
On the Oculus app page, tap the "Install" or "Get" button to download and install the app on your phone.
Depending on your phone's settings, you may be prompted to enter your password or use Touch ID or Face ID to confirm the download.
Wait for the app to download and install on your phone. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection speed.
Once the Oculus app is installed, you can open it and sign in to your Oculus account to access your VR games and apps.
VR Headset setup (First time setup)
Turn on VR headset. You will see pairing code show up in the headset.
In case the code does not show up, open the Toolbar by pressing the Oculus button on your right touch controller.
Select the quick launch menu (time, battery, Wi-Fi) or app library then Setting > System > About > Pairing Code.
Turn on Meta Quest app. Log in with your Meta account or account of your choice.
To connect the device. Go to Menu > Devices > Pair new headset or Connect new device.
Tap Quest 2 and add 5-digit code. Your Quest 2 will be paired with your phone.
VR Headset setup (Reconnect headset with Meta account)
Turn on VR headset.
On the home screen it might ask you to reconnect with the your headset using the code provided.
Connect your headset using provided code by going to www.meta.com/device on mobile or desktop.
Update to the latest version if it requires. The headset will be restarted after that.
Go to App Library > Store > in the search bar type “Spatial” > Click Spatial app > Install.
Spatial VR setup
First time in Spatial app, you will be prompted with the tutorial on how to work with controllers and basic interaction with UI and objects in the space.
To complete your account, pair the code by visiting www.spatial.io/pair or click on your profile picture from Spatial website on desktop > Pair headset and add the code.
You are now ready to explore the spaces on Spatial.
To join AgileXR spaces, go to Team and select the space of your choice.
Spatial mobile setup
Download Spatial app from App Store or Google Play
To log in to your existing Spatial account, click on account button.
Log in to Spatial account the same email using on desktop version. You will be brought to Spatial homepage.
To access the space via the invitation link, open an invitation on email and click “JOIN SPACE”
Open the invitation with your choice of browser and click “open in app”. You will be brought to invited space.
Navigation tutorial will pop up the first time you access the app. But you can also find it from The Kebab menu > Tutorials
Imprint
We suggest citing this report as follows: Lassenius, P., Torkkel, A., Fraile, J., Orgaz-Rincón, D., Esteban-Manrique, P., Van Cauwenberghe, J., Carrillo, L., & Katrini, C.. (2023). Spatial.io for VR-Enhanced Teamwork. Augmented Agile teamwork for hybrid learning at Schools (AgileXR). https://agilexr.eu/
Editors/Partners: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (FI), Fundación Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (SP), RHIZO School (BE), CollectiveUP (BE).
Authors: Petra Lassenius (Metropolia University), Ale Torkkel (Metropolia University), Juan Fraile (UFV), Daniel Orgaz-Rincón (UFV), Paula Esteban-Manrique (UFV), Joos Van Cauwenberghe (RHIZO), Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP), Chrysanthi Katrini (CollectiveUP).
Translation: Dutch versions by Joos Van Cauwenberghe (RHIZO), Finnish version by Petra Lassenius (Metropolia University), and Spanish version by Juan Fraile (UFV), Daniel Orgaz-Rincón (UFV) & Paula Esteban-Manrique (UFV).
This publication (in English, Finnish, Dutch and Spanish) and other publications and tools produced by the project can be downloaded free of charge from: https://agilexr.eu/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
The project "Augmented Agile teamwork for hybrid learning at Schools” (2021-1-BE02-KA220-SCH-000027889) is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The views expressed in the working papers, deliverables and reports are those of the project consortium partners. These views have not been adopted or approved by the Commission and should not be relied upon as a statement of the Commission’s or its services’ views. The European Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in the working papers and reports, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof.
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