{"id":27234,"date":"2023-03-17T10:00:08","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T02:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/?p=27234"},"modified":"2024-04-02T12:34:15","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T04:34:15","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-about-vr-dating-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpstaging.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/all-you-need-to-know-about-vr-dating-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"All you need to know about VR dating apps"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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For busy working professionals including NSmen, the future of dating may be in the metaverse.<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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TEXT: SANDHYA MAHADEVAN<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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After a tiring day at camp or work, it can be tough mustering the energy to catch up with friends<\/a>, let alone put yourself out there on a blind date. Enter Virtual Reality (VR) dating, which gives time-strapped NSmen the opportunity to fire up their love lives \u2014 without compromising on the experience<\/a>.<\/p>

While you can already meet others in the metaverse through apps such as VRChat and Facebook Venues, VR dating apps are specifically designed for establishing the right match using Artificial Intelligence (AI).<\/p>

Users typically start by creating their profile, which indicates their gender and partner preferences. They identify through avatars instead of photographs, putting the focus on their personality rather than looks. The apps \u2014 most of which can be paired with headsets for a more immersive experience \u2014 vie with each other in the creativity of their virtual date spots. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

VR technology facilitates scenarios where avatars can cuddle, hug, sleep and be intimate with one another. Some VR users even experience \u201cphantom touch\u201d, where they apparently feel physical sensation when their avatar is \u201ctouched\u201d.<\/p>

Here are four VR dating apps on the scene.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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NEVERMET<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The main objective of Nevermet<\/a> developers Cam Mullen and Solaris Nite was to evolve dating beyond its superficial aspects and help connect individuals on a deeper level, based on their common interests.<\/p>

The developers enforce this notion through their \u201cno-photos\u201d policy. Users create a profile to specify age, gender and preferences \u2013 whether they are looking for an adventure buddy, partner in crime, or love. All profiles must be approved by its moderation team, after which users swipe on potential love interests. Once matched, they can then coordinate a meet up for a VR Date. \u201cPlay ping pong, ride unicorns, and go to Paris, all on your first date,\u201d\u00a0as the company puts it.<\/p>

Headset compatibility:<\/strong> Meta Quest 2 (preferred), most other headsets including Meta Rift, Meta Quest 1 and HTC Vive.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FLIRTUAL<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The design focus of Flirtual<\/a>, which has had a regular presence in the VR gaming space since 2018, is for people to meet in the metaverse and move on to real life relationships. \u00a0<\/p>

Co-founders Antony Tan and Kyle Farwell themselves have individually tried VR dating. Farwell met his girlfriend in VR, and they have since moved in together in real life. So, the duo is aware of the safety and diversity concerns. \u201cWe take privacy and user choice seriously, and we are open source and open algorithm,\u201d explains Tan, which means that codes are more publicly accessible and customisable. \u201cWe work to make all kinds of groups and identities feel welcome at Flirtual.\u201d<\/p>

Flirtual matches VR users based on their interests and then facilitates a VR date that acts as a precursor to a physical meeting. Flirtual also hosts speed dating and social events in the virtual space<\/p>

Headset compatibility: <\/strong>Users on Flirtual do not require a VR headset to start, as it is designed as a non-VR app. Once users are matched, they can decide where and how to meet on VR.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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LONELY HEARTS DATING AGENCY<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Developed by OG metaverse platform Second Life, Lonely Hearts Dating Agency (LHDA)<\/a> is a great space to make friends, conduct business and share knowledge, aside from finding that special someone.<\/p>

LHDA\u2019s cleverly designed VR destinations cater to your wanderlust by teleporting you to various destinations, from Holland to Japan. There\u2019s even a Dutch countryside experience at Hedwigepolder piped with the sounds of windmills spinning in the background.<\/p>

There is a plethora of realistic hangout spots, including a Blues Club, an Irish Pub, a nightclub and even a shopping street. All you have to do is pay L$1 (Linden dollars) to the virtual dating agency, which buys you a month to find what you are looking for.<\/p>

Headset compatibility:<\/strong> VR headsets are not compulsory, although they help make the experience more immersive. The platform is compatible with most VR headsets.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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COMING SOON: PLANET THETA<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The soon-to-be-launched Planet Theta<\/a> packs a punch when it comes to features. The basic concept of matchmaking is simple. Users jump into a Microdating Queue \u2013 a VR version of speed dating \u2013 where the app\u2019s algorithm sets them up on short dates with those who meet their criteria. While waiting in the queue, they can mingle with others in a virtual bar. There, they can also purchase NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to be displayed in their high-end virtual residences.\u00a0<\/p>

These Microdates can be extended into longer Coffee Dates if users find common interests, at virtual spots ranging from a pool parlour to an axe throwing venue and enchanted forest. They then get to view each other\u2019s full profiles, send messages and share pictures. Planet Theta has partnered with Wolf3D<\/a> that allows them to create three-dimensional avatars of themselves. All you need to do is take a selfie and the app generates an avatar in your likeness. Users can reuse or export that avatar to other apps that use Wolf3D.<\/p>

Headset compatibility: <\/strong>Most popular VR headsets including the Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift S, Meta Quest Pro, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. Planet Theta\u2019s Beta site is also available on Meta and Steam, which allows users to try the app without a headset.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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RULES OF ENGAGEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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