Just because we’re under lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t binge with friends.
So, you and your buddy just picked up a couple of Oculus Quest 2 headsets and are looking for the best ways to watch your favorite TV shows and movies together without, you know, actually being together. Well you’re in luck as the Oculus Quest 2 features plenty of options for enjoying your favorite media side-by-side with your friends, family, and loved ones in VR.
Whether you’re looking to binge watch your favorite Netflix shows, browse through YouTube, or even hit the virtual theater for a scheduled screening, the following Oculus Quest 2 apps will have you kicking-back and enjoying content together in no time.
Let’s take a look at your options:
BIGSCREEN VR
Bigscreen was originally released back in 2016 on PC VR headsets. Since then the VR entertainment platform has expanded into a full-fledged virtual cinema experience, complete with a public theater lobby, paid screenings, as well as the ability to connect to your desktop and stream your personal content with both friends and strangers.
The platforms lineup of On-Demand content allows you access to a wide variety of 2D and 3D content at anytime, regardless of timezones. The company has teamed up with numerous studios to offer virtual theater-goers an impressive catalogue of films, such as Star Trek, Interstellar, Terminator, Ghost in the Shell, Transformers, Top Gun, and World War Z just to name a few.
Hit the theater with friends, or create your own private room to enjoy each others personal content. You can even draw, throw popcorn at each other, and sip on some delicious virtual pop while you watch.
VENUES
Currently in beta on the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, Facebook’s new-and-improved Venues platform is your best choice for catching live music, sports, and events in VR.
The new avatar creator allows you to further customize your in-game character with different hairstyles, clothing, and accessories. Venues is always hosting new shows and livestreams to enjoy, from VR concerts with popular acts such as Major Lazer and H.E.R. to major events like The Game Awards and various esports competitions. You and your friends can join other audience members live or enjoy the action from your own private viewing booth.
VRCHAT
Arguably the most popular socialVR platform available on Oculus Quest 2 headsets at the moment, VRChat offers a variety of video player plugins allowing you to access to the web via specific video-built rooms. Chat with friends while browsing your favorite youtube playlists, or get lost in the magical, sometimes terrifying virtual worlds of VRChat. You can select from a variety of unique avatars or create your own. You can also build your own environments and games, attend live events, and participate in a variety of other virtual activities with a massive player-base of both VR and PC users.
TOPGOLF WITH PRO PUTT
Topgolf with Pro Putt offers players a VR enhanced immersive golfing experience complete with three gorgeous 9-hole courses (Beach, Desert, Forest), a 10,000 square foot practice green, multiplayer functionality, and a variety of other game modes and customizations.
In a recent update the developers took the social aspects of their finely-tuned VR putting experience even further with the introduction of YouTube functionality, allowing you and your friends to watch your favorite videos as you golf. While the video mechanic is simple, the ability to queue up music videos while you putt and enjoy your favorite clips in between rounds adds an additional layer of engagement to the realistic putting experience, just like a real Topgolf center.
HONORABLE MENTION: SKYBOX
Last but not least we have Skybox VR Video Player. Yes yes we know, this is a single-user app designed for solo viewings. It’s also one of the most versatile video apps currently available in VR, allowing users to sideload their favorite media directly to their Quest 2 headsets. This makes it a perfect companion app for traveling, allowing you to access content without an internet connection. Skybox is compatible with a wide range of video formats; there’s even support for 360-degree and VR180 video. You can also select different environments, adjust the size of your screen and the viewing angle, and stream video from your desktop straight to your headset. A truly versatile video app perfect for any scenario.
And there you have! Just a handful of VR apps perfect for watching TV and movies with friends on the Oculus Quest 2. With many of us still under lockdown as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, these types of socialVR experiences are more important than ever in keeping us connected.
Need help deciding which Oculus Quest 2 to buy? Check out our 64GB vs. 256GB video here to get the low down on all the details.
Image Credit: VRScout
