Taking a page from Facebook's steps into the metaverse, Microsoft is throwing its hat into the virtual meeting ring. Through a series of initiatives and new products, like Mesh for Teams, Microsoft wants to be the preeminent space for consumer and enterprise mixed reality spaces.

This morning, during the Microsoft Ignite 2021 stream, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gave viewers an overview of their plans for moving into the virtual meeting space. These include applications like Microsoft Teams, Dynamics 365 Connected Spaces, and more through Microsoft's Azure platform.

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The initial product to lead the charge will be Mesh for Microsoft Teams. Mesh will allow users to interact with one another in a virtual space through a webcam or customized 3D avatars. Users can populate a virtual conference room, design center, or other real-world spaces "to enhance camaraderie, spark creativity, and foster serendipitous water-cooler connections." There are a variety of methods that users will be able to connect including PC, Mixed Reality headsets, and smartphones.

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It shouldn't come as a total surprise that Microsoft is pushing in this direction. In the latter years of Steve Balmer and especially under the guidance of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has become a company that is willing to try new things. With the underlying Azure platform, Hololens, and Teams, it's almost like Microsoft's very own Infinity Gauntlet of meetings and productivity is coming together. And in an age where more people than ever are working from home, trying out a virtual meeting space makes sense. It's a future many have often dreamed of, even if the dream didn't involve showing off PowerPoint slides in VR.

In an age where virtual meetings dominate the workspace for those that work from home, Mesh looks like it could be fun, even if only as a gimmick. With that being said, it's hard to imagine a world where users can easily use the technology. For instance, think how often technical issues like operating a microphone and webcam can be a large hurdle for some. Now throw a mixed reality headset at those users. It's not exactly a recipe for success.

Despite Microsoft Technical Fellow Alex Kipman's statement: "it's something that customers are really asking us for..., "a cursory browse through comments sections on articles for any metaverse outside of comics will show that potential users are skeptical at best. Whether it proves to be a success or a flop remains to be seen, but at least Microsoft is still willing to try new things. And who knows, maybe talking about show spoilers around the virtual water cooler with VR co-workers will become the new norm.

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Source: Microsoft Ignite 2021