Devon Copley, Avatour CEO & Co-Founder: “Make a significant impact on organization’s annual carbon reduction targets with virtual on-site meetings.”

In a world that has become increasingly digital and interconnected, the way we experience places and events is evolving at an astonishing pace. From virtual reality (VR) simulations to augmented reality (AR) applications, technology has made it possible to transcend geographical boundaries and immerse ourselves in experiences that were once out of reach. One company at the forefront of this revolution is Avatour, and they are redefining the way we explore and connect with remote environments. Avatour, founded in 2018, is a pioneering company that has been working relentlessly to bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. The brainchild of entrepreneurs David Basulto and Luis Villanueva, Avatour was born out of their shared vision to make remote exploration more accessible, engaging, and interactive.

The inspiration for Avatour came when Basulto, a filmmaker and producer, was working on a documentary project in a remote location. He realized the limitations of traditional communication tools, such as video calls and photos, in conveying the true essence of a place. This sparked the idea of creating a platform that would allow people to explore and interact with remote environments in real time, as if they were physically present.

The Avatour Experience

At its core, Avatour is a platform that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide users with immersive, real-time, and interactive remote tours. Unlike traditional video conferencing tools, Avatour transports users to the location they want to explore, enabling them to move around, interact with their surroundings, and engage with others as if they were physically present.

How It Works

Avatour's technology relies on a few key components:

1. 360-Degree Cameras: These high-resolution cameras are strategically placed in the remote location and capture a panoramic view of the surroundings.
2. Virtual Reality Headsets: Users can don VR headsets, which provide an immersive 3D experience and allow them to move their heads to look around.
3. Real-Time Streaming: The video feed from the 360-degree cameras is streamed in real time to the users' VR headsets, providing a live, 360-degree view of the location.
4. Two-Way Communication: Users can communicate with a guide or other participants through voice or text, enhancing the interactive aspect of the experience.

This combination of hardware and software creates a seamless and immersive experience that transports users to remote locations around the world. Whether you want to explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, take a virtual tour of a historic museum, or collaborate with colleagues on a construction site in another country, Avatour makes it possible.

Use Cases

Avatour's versatility extends across various industries and use cases:

1. Travel and Tourism: Avatour allows travelers to preview destinations, accommodations, and attractions before booking, giving them a more informed perspective.
2. Education: Teachers and students can embark on virtual field trips to enhance learning experiences, whether it's exploring ancient civilizations or witnessing scientific phenomena.
3. Real Estate: Potential buyers can tour properties remotely, offering a realistic sense of the space and surroundings, saving time and resources.
4. Business and Collaboration: Remote teams can work together on projects, inspect construction sites, or conduct site surveys without the need for physical presence.
5. Entertainment: Avatour can be used for live concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment experiences, allowing fans to participate from anywhere in the world.

Avatour's Impact on Sustainability

Beyond its remarkable ability to connect people with remote locations, Avatour is also contributing to a more sustainable future. By reducing the need for physical travel, Avatour helps minimize carbon emissions associated with transportation. This aligns with the global effort to combat climate change and reduce our collective carbon footprint.

The Green Advantage

• Reduced Travel Emissions: Avatour eliminates the necessity for people to fly or drive to remote locations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Less Environmental Impact: Decreased foot traffic in fragile ecosystems and culturally significant areas helps protect natural and cultural heritage.
• Lower Infrastructure Costs: Companies can save on infrastructure expenses by conducting remote site visits and inspections, reducing the need for extensive travel budgets.

The Future of Avatour

As Avatour continues to grow and evolve, its potential applications seem limitless. With advancements in technology, we can expect even more immersive experiences, improved image quality, and expanded compatibility with various devices. Avatour's founders are also exploring partnerships and collaborations to integrate their technology into other industries and platforms, further enhancing its reach and impact.

Avatour is not just a company; it's a pioneering force that is redefining the way we explore and interact with the world. By seamlessly blending technology with our innate curiosity and desire to explore, Avatour is transcending geographical boundaries and creating connections that were once unimaginable. As we look to the future, Avatour's vision of remote exploration promises to be a transformative force, shaping how we experience our world and, in the process, helping to build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Meet the leader behind the success of Avatour

Devon Copley, CEO & Co-Founder of Avatour is an expert on live immersive technology. Devon has more than 20 years of experience in online media and VR. Previously, he was Head of Product for the Nokia OZO VR platform, where he expanded the OZO ecosystem to include live VR broadcast, next-generation immersive delivery, and multi-platform playback. Earlier, Devon co-founded the online media consulting firm Interocity (acquired by Chyron) and was VP of Customer Success at the leading cloud video platform Kaltura. Devon studied Computer Science and Theater at Yale and was a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

“The Avatour platform allows remote participants to experience a real place and interact in real-time. The required hardware is inexpensive and entirely portable, opening up a variety of game-changing applications for businesses around the world.”