TechCrunch Reporter Experiences Meta Connect Keynote Inside Horizon Worlds VR
A TechCrunch journalist details the clunky but entertaining experience of watching Zuckerberg's Meta Connect keynote from inside a virtual reality amphitheater. The VR viewing proves more immersive but far less practical for taking notes than a traditional screen.
A TechCrunch reporter straps on a Meta Quest headset to watch Mark Zuckerberg's annual Meta Connect keynote from inside Horizon Worlds. After navigating a confusing virtual plaza and overcoming a portal glitch, the journalist enters a sparsely populated virtual amphitheater alongside a handful of likely Meta employees. The newly revamped avatar of Zuckerberg delivers the presentation onstage while the reporter frantically scoots around the virtual space to take screenshots.
The virtual reality experience works surprisingly well and feels mildly more entertaining than watching a standard 2D video feed. However, the immersive environment lacks basic practicality for working journalists. The headset completely dominates the user's field of vision, making it incredibly difficult to record audio, jot down notes, or type messages to colleagues who are watching the event on traditional computer screens.
This isolation ultimately highlights a major flaw in attending virtual work events, as the inability to easily share the experience drives a wedge between the VR user and their remote coworkers. While the technology functions as intended, it proves that virtual reality is not yet superior to actual reality when it comes to completing basic tasks. The gimmicky nature of the VR keynote leaves the reporter questioning the practical value of the metaverse for everyday professional use.