While the metaverse seemed to have been forgotten in favor of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the in-person AI leader is deploying a mixed reality functionality in its videoconferencing service. Announced in 2021 when the technology democratized by Meta was on everyone’s lips, Microsoft Mesh is now available for Teams users, whether they are equipped with a virtual reality (VR) headset or not.
Virtual spaces to meet up
The platform was designed to respond to the new challenge of hybrid working, which has greatly increased in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “ The way we work has changed, but the secret to a successful workplace hasn’t. Deep human connections are necessary to increase engagement, drive performance and retain talent », Explains Microsoft in a blog post.
Integrated with Teams, Mesh offers a range of pre-designed 3D spaces that businesses can customize by integrating various elements, such as informative videos and logos, all without requiring code entry. Meeting members can thus meet virtually using their avatar. A spatial audio feature also allows for private discussions within the meeting space.
If the platform is available on desktop, it offers a much more immersive experience with a VR headset. Currently, only Meta Quest supports Mesh. Several companies have been able to experiment with the service, such as Accenture, one of the largest consulting firms in the world. “ Accenture welcomed more than 300,000 new employees from around the world to One Accenture Park, a virtual campus created in Microsoft Mesh », Details the Redmond firm. The space offers auditoriums as well as a small train allowing you to walk around it.
The metaverse no longer really has the wind in its sails
A small nod to Microsoft’s efforts in AI, the Mesh presentation video also highlights Copilot, the company’s AI-powered assistant. Users can in fact use it to personalize their avatar as well as meeting spaces.
Brought to the forefront in 2021, the metaverse has since lost its splendor. At Meta for example, efforts are now directed towards artificial intelligence, the metaverse having been relegated to the background. At the end of 2022, investors in the American giant criticized the large sums spent in its dedicated division, deemed unprofitable in the short term.
For Microsoft, the integration of Mesh into Teams seems logical, as videoconferencing is taking up more and more space in the business world. It now remains to be seen what level of adoption it will have, particularly when we know that the reception of VR headsets remains modest.
Available to some for many years, videoconferencing clients saw their popularity explode during the health crisis and continue to be used today by the many employees who have opted for more teleworking. We have compared the different and numerous alternatives available so that you can find your way more easily and make your choice.
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Source : Microsoft, Engadget
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