Microsoft Teams is about to enter a whole new (virtual) dimension
Meetings in Microsoft Teams are going 3D
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The way we conduct meetings may soon change forever following a major new update toMicrosoft Teams.
Microsoft’svideo conferencing softwareis making the leap from 2D to 3D atIgnite 2021with the introduction of Mesh for Microsoft Teams.
Since its launch back in 2017, Teams has continued to evolve thanks to new features such as grid view, Together mode and Presenter view which helped make 2D meetings more immersive. Now though, by combining the mixed-reality capabilities ofMicrosoft Meshand theproductivity toolsof Microsoft Teams, Microsoft’s video conferencing platform is entering a new dimension.
Beginning in the first half of 2022, Mesh for Microsoft Teams will enable new experiences through the introduction of personalized avatars and immersive spaces where users can connect and have shared immersive experiences in 3D.
Personalized avatars will also allow Teams users to maintain their presence in meetings without having to turn on theirwebcams. They can even connect with eye contact and express emotions using live reactions that will be represented through their avatars. At the same time, organizations will be able to create immersive spaces that resemble physical spaces such as conference rooms, design centers and networking lounges just like in Teams’Together modebut now in 3D.
Gateway to the metaverse
Mesh for Teams is designed to be accessible to all users as they can access Microsoft’s new virtual space using their smartphones, laptops and even mixed-reality headsets likeMicrosoft HoloLens.
In addition to making online meetings more personal, engaging and fun, Mesh for Teams will also serve as a gateway to themetaversefor many users. Just like Facebook is doing with itsMeta rebrand, Microsoft also wants to give its users access to a persistent digital world inhabited by digital twins of people, places and things.
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In a newblog post, Microsoft’s CTO of digital advisory services, John Roach compared the metaverse to a new version or a new vision of the internet where “people gather to communicate, collaborate and share with personal virtual presence on any device”.
Teams users will also be able to leverage their existing documents, presentations and other content fromMicrosoft 365and share and collaborate using this content spatially.
Mesh for Teams is launching in preview during the first half of 2022 and we’ll likely hear more on this newonline collaboration tooland Microsoft’s vision for the metaverse as we get closer to its official launch.
Looking to prepare yourself for the launch of Mesh for Teams? Check out our roundups of thebest headsets for conference callsandbest business VR headsets
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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