Microsoft launches Mesh, a platform for virtual meetings in Teams
By ForGeeks While many organizations are pushing to bring their employees back to their offices, Microsoft is offering a taste of a new type of “hybrid” workplace. The company has announced the launch of Microsoft Mesh, a feature that allows employee avatars to meet in the same place, even if real people are scattered. The virtual connectivity platform works through Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft has tested Mesh at companies such as consulting firm Accenture and pharmaceutical company Takeda. “The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, but the importance of human connection has gone nowhere. Conversations during lunch, conversations in the hallway, conversations over a cup of coffee – they are often the key to both workplace success and employee happiness,” says Takeda. CTO Leo Barella explained in a statement. He claims their meetings were “more collaborative and engaging.”
He says their meetings were “more collaborative and engaging.”
They were also more collaborative and engaging.
Mesh provides a number of ready-made spaces that companies can personalize with everything from informational videos to logos without having to enter any code. The Mesh toolkit works through Unity, Microsoft’s 2D and 3D development platform, to further customize the virtual world. Essentially, if an employer has always wanted to invite everyone to a retreat, they can create a version of it and invite all the avatars.
An employer can create a version of it and invite all the avatars.
Microsoft’s Mesh is currently only available on desktops and Meta* Quest VR devices (if employees want a more immersive experience). Microsoft is offering a six-month free trial to anyone with a business or corporate plan. Otherwise, prices range from $4 per user per month for Microsoft Teams Essentials to $57 per user per month for Microsoft 365 E5.
The prices range from $4 per user per month for Microsoft Teams Essentials to $57 per user per month for Microsoft 365 E5.
* Owned by Meta, it is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.
