Microsoft Mesh, a new Teams platform, enables meeting participation in a Metaverse-like virtual environment, functioning without a VR headset
Microsoft is integrating a new feature into the Teams app, allowing users to host meetings in mixed reality. Called ‘Microsoft Mesh’, this feature has been in development for some time and is now being incorporated into Teams. The company states that Mesh can be used with or without a VR headset, although the experience may not be fully immersive.
Mesh is accessible on both Meta’s Quest VR platform and PC, providing pre-designed 3D immersive environments for meetings and social gatherings. Businesses have the option to personalize these virtual spaces with elements such as informational videos, presentations, and more.
Users of Microsoft Teams can create and personalize avatars according to their preferences and conduct multiple group discussions simultaneously. The company has also introduced support for spatial audio and live reactions. With Mesh, individuals can move away from other participants in the virtual space to engage in private conversations.
Mesh, according to the company, is built on Unity, a widely used game engine with millions of users globally. Microsoft Mesh is already accessible through the Meta Quest app store.
Although all basic Mesh features, such as the immersive space, will be free for users on the Microsoft Teams business plan, a Teams Premium license will be required for a personalized immersive experience. Microsoft is providing a six-month free trial to users on a business or enterprise plan. For individual purchases, the monthly cost ranges from $4 for Essentials plan users to $57 for Microsoft 365 E5 users.