The Meta Quest app Wooorld now allows for complete global exploration in a manner akin to Google Earth VR, alongside various enhancements.
Wooorld debuted in the autumn of 2022 for Meta Quest 2. My primary concern back then was that the virtual world was depicted within rectangular confines, which hampered the immersive experience.
That’s no longer the case: With the significant 2.0 update released this Christmas, full immersion into the 3D maps of the planet is possible. In immersive mode, Wooorld resembles Google Earth VR on PC: you glide in the direction indicated by your controller.
The clarity and intricacy of the 3D maps on Meta Quest 3 are impressive, and the integration with Google Maps creates a familiar atmosphere. I believe Wooorld will be my preferred application for travel planning and getting acquainted with destinations in virtual reality.
Check out the trailer for the latest features
Besides the immersive mode, the 2.0 update introduced the following exciting features:
- Comprehensive Google Earth Catalog: Navigate through over 2,500+ 3D cities
- Conversational AI Assistant: Engage with Wooorld in an entirely new manner—it can respond to questions, guide you anywhere, visualize what you’re seeing, and even participate in trivia games with you (premium feature)
- Minimap, Social Hub, Tabletop Mode, Streamlined Controls, and many more…
The trailer below showcases the current iteration of the app, highlighting both the immersive mode and tabletop mode.
There are two alternatives available
Wooorld has evolved significantly since my review over two years ago. The VR application, which now embraces mixed reality, includes numerous features that I must explore before I can revisit my review of Wooorld.
Since its introduction, two additional apps have emerged that also provide immersive world exploration akin to Google Earth VR, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, which are outlined in the subsequent articles:
It is important to note that all three applications are actively being developed and subject to change.
You can acquire Wooorld, Fly, and EarthQuest from the Horizon Store.
Are you interested in VR and AR? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
