Metaverse Working Group

Agenda & Meeting Minutes

Date:  June 7, 2017

Time: 2:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM PST

Location:  BlueJeans - https://bluejeans.com/133355606

Agenda

1. Introductions for first time attendees
   • Chris Collins, University of Cincinnati
   • Gurcharan Khanna, Brown University
     
     
2. ScienceNode Articles Featuring VR/AR & MWG Members
   • All the World's a (Virtual) Stage - https://sciencenode.org/feature/all-the-worlds-a-virtual-stage.php
   • Virtual Reality Kindles a New Way to Learn - https://sciencenode.org/feature/virtual-reality-brings-real-advantages--and--real-challenges.php
   • Hand in Hand Into the Metaverse - https://sciencenode.org/feature/plunging-into-the-metaverse-.php
     
     
3. Virtual NOC Collaborative Project
   
   • Collaborative project to develop a "virtual reality NOC" as a proof-of-concept to visualize network traffic and possibly develop a virtual "command and control" center.
   • Current Status:  Conference call with the GlobalNOC on May 31, 2017 to gauge interest, most involved in the discussion have not yet tried modern VR
   • Next Steps:  Select potential dates for in-person meeting hosted at GlobalNOC in Indianapolis to demo VR and discuss project scope
   • Possible participants:
     • • Internet2 
       • GlobalNOC (IN)
       • KINBER (PA)
       • OARNet (OH)
       • UCSIM 
       • Your institution?
         
         
4. Hardware & Software News
   
   • Apple announced VR support at WWDC 2017 (finally!) - https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/5/15743274/apple-external-gpu-vr-development-macos-high-sierra-wwdc-2017
     • New iMac and iMac Pro will be VR ready out of the box
     • External GPU dev kit (available now) should allow VR with MacBook 
     • High Sierra macOS update will include VR developer features, and Metal2 will natively support Unity, Unreal Engine, and SteamVR SDK
       
       
   • HTC Vive continues to have availability issues with hardware accessories
     
     • Trackers are currently sold out (again)  -  https://www.vive.com/us/vive-tracker/
     • Deluxe audio strap sold out in one day  - https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/htc-sells-out-vive-deluxe-audio-strap/
       
       
   • Google announces standalone Daydream VR hardware - http://www.pcworld.com/article/3197426/data-center-cloud/googles-standalone-vr-and-vps-address-the-clutter-and-clumsiness-of-virtual-reality.html
     
     
5. Metaverse Working Group VR Jam - June 21, 2017 2:00 PM (EDT)
   • Next VR Jam test platform:  AltSpaceVR - https://altvr.com/
   • Event URL:  https://account.altvr.com/events/695430999063921531
   • Works with a variety of VR devices:
     • HTC Vive
     • Oculus Rift
     • Samsung GearVR
     • Google DayDream
     • 2D mode for PC (Not Mac compatible)
       
       
6. Open Discussion/Announcements

• • Other news?  Announcements?  Discussion items?