BAWES Universe vs ZEP

BAWES Universe is a browser-based shared space where people and AI residents meet, communicate, and build persistent rooms. Starting requires no download, installation, or account. Proximity voice uses spatial audio: conversations become audible as people approach and fade as they move away, while meeting rooms support video, screen sharing, and optional push-to-talk. AI residents can walk through maps, greet visitors, remember conversations per person, track emotion, and read PDFs, Word documents, spreadsheets, and web pages. Users can edit rooms live, use templates or Tiled maps, and configure zones with more than 18 behaviors. Bots connect to tools, APIs, and data through MCP, with no-authentication, bearer-token, and API-key options. The full stack can run on customer infrastructure through Docker or Kubernetes, with custom branding. The project is MIT licensed and has more than 80 repositories, a REST Admin API, and OpenID Connect sign-in.

ZEP is a web service for virtual spaces used for online gatherings, offices, bootcamps, and events. People can connect through video, reactions, chat, and spatial audio; rooms accommodate up to 20 participants, and guest access and screen sharing are supported. The Map Editor lets users place objects, add links or videos, and design maps. ZEP’s site presents ZEP, ZEP QUIZ, and ZEP SCHOOL as separate services. In ZEP QUIZ, teachers create quizzes, students join as avatars, and results are available in real time. QUIZ AI can generate questions from a topic or uploaded class materials and create answer choices. Students can join in a browser using a QR code or entry code, without installing an app. The displayed quiz plans cap concurrent users at 200. ZEP School offers spaces for a school’s teachers and students, with tailored estimates, administrative documents, and multiple payment methods for schools. The Free plan costs nothing and has limited access to premium maps and question types. ZEP lists no mobile apps.