Microsoft’s Mesh for Teams Brings 3D Avatars and Virtual Spaces; Joining the Metaverse Hype

Nov. 5, 2021

WhileMetais extensively working to make mixed reality a norm in the digital communications sector, it is not the only company with this vision. Amongst others, Microsoft is another tech giant working on virtual environments and holograms with itsMesh project. Although the availability of mixed reality platforms might take some time, the Redmond giant has taken a more practical approach to bring the taste of a virtual platform to its communications app Teams. Enter Mesh for Teams!

Microsoft recently announced Mesh for Teams that integrates the company’s mixed reality technologies into Teams to add personalized3D avatars and virtual spaces. So, rather than joining a video conference with participants stuck inside confined space on a grid of camera feeds, users would be able to join full-fledged virtual offices in the form of personalized 3D avatars.

With this, users won’t need a webcam feed to join a virtual conference. Instead, they will be able to join the space with their colleagues and friends as customized avatars. As of now, the avatars can only communicate with each other using dialogue bubbles (preview below). However, Microsoft eventually plans to add realistic face-based movements to the avatars that would rely on users’ webcams.

Users can also use Microsoft’s HoloLens devices and the Mesh app for HoloLens to connect and virtually interact with other digital avatars and 3D content in an environment as if they are physically there in the space. Microsoft says that these are some of the initial glimpses of its Mesh technology. The companyhas been developingits communications app Teams to make it on par with the competition. With this addition, Teams will surely have an edge over other similarvideo conferencing apps like ZoomandGoogle Meet.

A geek at heart, you’ll find me fidgeting with an iOS device or sitting in front of the laptop, scouring the internet to find interesting technological innovations. In my free time, you’d find me playing Valorant or listening to Pink Floyd.