I had a yoga class on Quest with realistic-looking mixed reality instructors
The new Alo Moves XR wellness app for Meta Quest features volumetric instructors that appear in your room and look very realistic.
Alo Moves XR is a Quest version of the mobile wellness app that specializes in yoga, meditation, and Pilates classes.
When Alo Moves XR was announced in the spring and Meta promised volumetric mixed reality instructors, I was intrigued. Not because I like wellness programs. As a big fan of volumetric capture, I was mainly interested in the technical aspects: how well the instructors would be implemented and how the experience would benefit from mixed reality.
The idea of working out at home with a personal trainer appeals to me, and with the help of mixed reality, not only could it be more immersive than on a smartphone, tablet or TV, but it could also bring real benefits by allowing you to see the instructors in your room and view them from all sides to better see and follow the movements.
Does Alo Moves XR deliver?
Alo Moves XR does not disappoint in this regard. The instructors are life-size and in the best quality I've ever seen in volumetric capture. Not deceptively real, but close, with mixed reality adding to the illusion of their spatial presence.
Because these are volumetric shots, you can walk around the instructors to a certain point and view them from the side. The illusion is only broken by the fact that eye contact is broken when you move out of position.
A giant virtual screen appears behind the instructors, covering most of the physical environment and displaying a panoramic landscape. Three-dimensional miniature versions of the instructors appear to the left and right, so you can follow their movements even if you turn sideways. Now try to copy this in real life.
Free trial subscription
I would have liked to record a video of my experience, but I can't because the recording function is turned off for DRM reasons. The official trailer will have to suffice to give you an idea of the experience.
I like Alo Moves XR, even though I noticed a few teething problems. Navigating the menus via hand tracking is imprecise, and I found no way to adjust the placement of the instructors in the room. Now, if there were a similar quality app for learning strength training, I would certainly subscribe to it.
Alo Moves XR costs a monthly fee, but you can try the app for free for a few days on the Horizon Store.
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