Last year, Microsoft announced an innovative step towards integrating the metaverse with professional communication by introducing a feature that would bring Teams meetings into the metaverse. Expected to launch in 2022, this development ushers in a new era for meetings and video calls.
As the business world has increasingly embraced a hybrid working model, the demand for online meeting platforms has surged. Microsoft Teams is set to redefine the workplace dynamic with the integration of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) technologies. Here are the details of this transformation!
Microsoft Teams joins the metaverse world!
Microsoft unveiled a project called Mesh for Teams, signaling a leap towards creating a unified platform for virtual experiences. This initiative is driven by the goal to enhance the efficiency of remote meetings and foster better interaction among participants. Expected to roll out to Teams users within this year, Mesh for Teams promises to bridge distances by enabling people in different locations to communicate as though they were physically together, courtesy of holographic experiences.
A standout feature of Mesh for Teams is the option for users to create personal 2D or 3D avatars. These avatars can be utilized across various settings, including conferences and meetings, allowing for a representation of presence without the need for a video camera. The application of artificial intelligence mimics the movements and gestures of participants, offering a more dynamic and engaging meeting experience.
Furthermore, companies can design their own custom 3D virtual spaces within Mesh for Teams. These spaces, incorporating AR and VR technologies, provide a unique platform for reviewing and collaborating on projects in three dimensions. Such a feature is invaluable, especially for team members who cannot physically be in the same space but need to make critical decisions on projects.
As the pandemic has led to a decline in workplace socialization, virtual meetings within Mesh for Teams aim to counteract this trend. Employees can spend time in these virtual environments, interact with colleagues, and engage in activities using their customized avatars, offering a new dimension to the concept of remote work and collaboration.
Accenture-Nth Floor
Accenture, a global leader in information technology and consulting, pioneered the adoption of Mesh-enabled virtual spaces known as “Nth Floor” even before the pandemic struck. The Nth Floor concept represents a virtual world designed to break down the barriers of distance, creating an environment where employees can interact as if they were physically close to one another during various corporate gatherings, including events, meetings, and training conferences. In this virtual realm, employees can navigate and participate using specially designed avatars and VR glasses, enhancing the sense of presence and interaction.
In the wake of the pandemic, Accenture strategically leveraged the Nth Floor platform to facilitate the onboarding of new employees, assisting them in acclimating to the company’s culture. It also served as a medium to connect company officials with new hires, fostering a sense of belonging and community despite the physical distances.
To offer an immersive orientation experience, Accenture introduced a virtual campus within the Nth Floor called One Accenture Park. This initiative provides a novel and engaging way for new employees to familiarize themselves with the company, underscoring Accenture’s commitment to innovation and employee integration in the digital age.
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