Linden Lab may be finally ready to release an iOS "companion" app for Second Life, but reader "Saga" points out there's already a third party SL app in the App Store: "There is another app for SL chat/inventory for iOS. I use it now and then, it’s called MetaChat!" And so there is:
MetaChat is a text-only viewer for all Virtual Worlds based on the OpenSimulator software for 3D worlds.
iOS apps CANNOT RUN IN THE BACKGROUND !
There is no 3D view, this is a text-only viewer.
Add accounts from different worlds with different start locations.,
See your friendlist, read messages or write
Chat with groups, see group infos or write group notices
Chat in open world
Move around a mini-map, teleport to landmarks
See your inventory/worn, preview textures or pictures, send items
Attach/Wear/Detach/TakeOff Clothes
Enter/leave groups
Add friends/invite/pay/remove
So about the same feature list as the late-lamented Pocket Metaverse, but updated more often (check the developer blog here). But caveat emptor, my dude: MetaChat's user reviewers are pretty middling. However, even most of the critical reviews still suggest it's worth considering as a purchase:
MetaChat shows some promise in becoming a decent app. However, my gripes about this are yes for one, you cannot switch apps or lock your phone without being logged out. Also, the app continues to log me out at random while I’m using it! If it weren’t for these two things, this would have a 5 Star review.
Like others say it has potential. I wish it didn’t log me out when I switch apps! That’s my biggest issue with this. I end up turning off my phone’s sleep mode and keeping it plugged in. But if you get a text or call and have to pick up you are logged off!
So until Linden Lab gets around to putting out an official version, it's worth a look. And until then, Android owners into SL still have the edge with the highly popular, feature rich Lumiya.
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