A virtual communications platform called ‘ENGAGE’ has gone through a major update. It has taken one step forward to metaverse by adding different features such as ‘3D pen’ and ‘space hub’.
D.Carrick, a South Korean company that provides the platform in South Korea, announced on Sunday that the platform has added various features through a version 1.8 update.
3D pen allows one to draw a picture on an object or empty space by using a 3D pen during an event or a session. It maximizes visual delivery as it allows one to draw a picture in any shape wherever he or she desires.
A professor can maximize effects of a class that uses avatars in a virtual classroom by drawing images necessary for his class in the air. Presenters can also draw additional information about their displays for spectators at a virtual exhibition.
The platform has also added a whiteboard feature for lectures and classes. The feature allows one to bring up a whiteboard in any space rather than having to write on a fixed blackboard. A whiteboard can be brought up through a wrist controller or by pressing the IFX (Creo Intelligent Fasterner) button.
The space hub feature allows easy movement between two different spaces. Current virtual platforms are inconvenient as they require one to exit the screen and access the platform again if they wish to move to a different space. However, ENGAGE basically allows ‘instant teleportation’ with its space hub feature.
Number of people that can stay inside of a single virtual space has increased from 50 to 70 people. The space hub feature allows up to 1,000 people to utilize the platform at the same time.
The ENGAGE platform has also been improved so that it supports location, video, and web link search. It has added a function that allows a user to undo a task, and its overall security has been enhanced.
CEO Choi In-ho of D.Carrick said that the recent update has added more various features to the ENGAGE platform and that there will be more companies using the platform in the future.
The platform, which began its service in South Korea two years ago, is mostly utilized by universities and public offices as it provides an user interface that is close to the reality and is very easy to use while not taking up much of the system’s space. Level of interest towards the platform has increased even more recently due to COVID-19 and the metaverse fever.
The platform allows business meetings and conferences and classes to take place in a virtual space and it also allows editing and contents writing and video play. Because it is able to save classes or lectures, one can easily watch the recorded video anywhere and anytime.
Public offices and universities such as Sejong Techno Park, Gwangsan-gu Office, Hanam Digital Camp, and Myongji College are currently utilizing the ENGAGE platform. Sejong University’s Animation Department plans to utilize the platform for its webtoon classes.
Staff Reporter An, Hocheon | hcan@etnews.com