Microsoft to preview Mesh for Teams meetings next month

Microsoft’s VR platform Microsoft Mesh is to enter public preview in October, including a new Teams experience as well as access via the desktop.

The platform is already in use by early adopters at organisations such as Accenture, DXC Technology, PwC, Takeda, Telefonica and the World Economic Forum.

Microsoft claims that more than 50% of employees are open to innovative immersive experiences for meetings and team activities, a finding reported in its Work Trend Index annual report.

The software giant says the 3D immersive spaces provided by Microsoft Mesh will help virtual meetings and events feel more like face-to-face connections.

Users can join the immersive spaces via Teams, using a PC or a Meta Quest VR device which is said to offer a richer and more immersive experience.

The platform offers users a choice of avatar and immersive environment, and includes seat assignments within a meeting, and spatial audio with audio zones within the virtual world. Interactive games to aid team bonding are also available as are live reactions such as a heart symbol, a thumbs up or a clap to help meeting participants express themselves.

Mesh also offers the option to create a custom immersive space, tailored to specific events, training, guided tours or product showcases. These can be crafted using a no-code editor or using the full power of Unity.

Nicole Herskowitz, vice president of Microsoft Teams at Microsoft, commented: “Flexible work is here to stay, but we need new ways to connect when we’re physically apart. Today, we announced that Microsoft Mesh is entering public preview in October on desktop and headset with a new Microsoft Teams experience – taking how we connect virtually to the next level.”

For more information:

• Microsoft Mesh enters preview in October, including a new Teams experience