Microsoft launches virtual worlds-based workplace

Microsoft has released Mesh, a new meetings platform that places participants’ avatars in 3D virtual worlds. 

In a blog post announcing the platform launch, Nicole Herskowitz, vice president for Microsoft Teams, said that Mesh was intended to help foster human connection as the number of organisations that support hybrid and remote working continues to grow. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index report, 43% of leaders say relationship-building is the greatest challenge in hybrid and remote work.

“Mesh powers 3D immersive experiences using next-generation technology that can help virtual connections feel more like face-to-face interactions,” said Herskowitz.

Mesh is now generally available on Teams, and can be used on PCs or Meta Quest VR devices. Monthly prices range from $4/user for Microsoft Team Essentials to $57/user for Microsoft 365 E5.

The virtual environments do not look dissimilar to those available in Horizon Workrooms, as both are populated by avatars with cartoonish proportions and no legs. Launched in 2021 by Meta (formerly Facebook), Horizon Workrooms was intended to provide a more immersive environment for meetings using 3D virtual worlds. It is possible that Mesh, in being available on Microsoft Teams – which reached 320 million users last year – might have an edge over Horizon Workrooms.

According to Herskowitz, Mesh in Teams “elevates engagement in Teams meetings with ready-made 3D immersive spaces” made to suit a range of meetings, such as social gatherings, brainstorming sessions and roundtable discussions. Participants can join these meetings using personalised avatars. Mesh allows multiple small-group discussions to be conducted simultaneously with spatial audio, which “lessens the cognitive load”.

Organisations will also be able to host large events with custom virtual worlds created with a no-code editor – these can include organisation banners and videos.

Microsoft said that customers already using Mesh include Takeda, Accenture, BP and Mercy Ships. For instance, pharmaceutical company Takeda built the ‘Hirameki Garden’ to serve as a virtual venue for company-wide events such as town halls, as well as a gallery to showcase patient stories. 

Takeda chief technology officer Leo Barella said: “The world of work continues to evolve at a rapid pace, but the importance of human connection has never gone away. Lunchtime conversations, hallway catch-ups, coffee chats – they often hold the key to both workplace success and employee happiness. Mesh for Teams has proven a game-changer for us; our hybrid meetings are more collaborative and immersive, and also a lot more fun.”

Virtual worlds experts have cast doubt on whether there is much demand for metaverse-like platforms in which users carry out mundane tasks, such as working, with most enthusiasm for these platforms driven by their ability to liberate users from their real-world identities and concerns.