Spatial.io is a Unity-based platform that facilitates the creation of interactive digital experiences for multiple platforms, including computers, mobile devices, and Oculus Quest. Its user-friendly interface helps creators develop and import 3D models to design interactive social spaces that are accessible from various platforms.
Number of users: 50 participants (Free Version), 500 participants (Paid Version)
Ease of use: Medium
Platforms: WEB, Mobile (Android & IOS), VR Headsets
Best for: Online Meetings
First Steps
Where to Find It: https://www.spatial.io/
How to Register: It is easier than you think! Follow the link above and click the "Log in" button in the top right corner. Choose one of the sign-in options listed in the menu. Having trouble? See the Spatial Manual created by our team.
Making Spaces: After you log in, click on the "Create a Space" button in the top right corner of the main page. Choose one of the free templates provided by Spatial.io and continue!
Inviting others to your spaces: It is simple! When you are in a space, use the "Share" button in the top right corner of your screen. Share the link with the others and help them join the immersive 3D environment.
Controlling your space: You have various tools, including the microphone, reactions, camera, screen-share, add content, and chat box. Let's explore how to use them to control our spaces.
Host Tools (Paid Version Only)
Changing Your Avatar: Are you interested in changing your avatar's appearance? Spatial allows you to do that. You already create an avatar when you log in. See the Spatial Manual for avatar creation in the first sign-in. Bored with your style? There's a way to change that too!
When you are in your space, click the "Share" button in the top right of your screen. You can invite the others by sending them your space's link or e-mail. Choose the one that works best for you!
When you are in your space, click on the avatar icon in the bottom right corner. Then, click on "Edit Avatar."
Microphone: Mute/unmute yourself for the voice chat.
Reactions: Let your avatar show some gestures and movements. You can dance!
Camera: Open the photo/video mode to capture/record your space.
Screen: Share your screen in space, just like on Zoom!
Plus: Add prefabs to your space. You can directly import objects from Sketchfab without any download or coding!
Spatial.io provides a unique opportunity for immersive and collaborative learning experiences.
The platform allows for the creation of interactive and customizable virtual spaces that can enhance student engagement and active participation.
Teachers can design and facilitate dynamic lessons, presentations, and discussions within the virtual environment.
Teachers can create interactive activities and simulations to promote hands-on learning and problem-solving.
The platform can facilitate global collaboration and cross-cultural exchanges, allowing students to connect and learn from peers in different locations.
Teachers can leverage the platform's analytics and tracking tools to monitor student engagement, participation, and progress.
Pros:
Spatial.io's accessible user interface offers a range of features for hosts and participants in the social space.
Users can easily navigate pages and utilize options like "leave" and environment settings.
A help desk is available for any assistance needed on the platform.
In-space features include voice chat, avatar gestures, photo and film modes, screen sharing, and 3D asset importing.
Spatial.io offers extensive documentation to assist users in learning platform features.
Spatial.io has integrated with Sketchfab, enabling users to import 3D models from Sketchfab into the platform without any coding.
Cons:
Designating multiple hosts in Spatial.io is limited to the Spatial+ features, which require a paid subscription.
This limitation may pose challenges for larger events or organizations that need multiple hosts to manage and moderate social spaces.
The larger organizations are required to subscribe to Spatial + to host more participants.
The integration of the Unity-based Spatial Toolkit in Spatial.io can be challenging for users without coding or Unity experience, limiting their ability to customize and fully utilize the platform's features.
Additional Links
Here is the link to the primary Portal Space that we used in our Workshop and Tech Showcase for CALICO 2023
https://www.spatial.io/s/Randalls-Portal-Hub-63e80c7a93cf3bb21c222023?share=2687221591600389137