Microsoft enters the metaverse market, Microsoft Teams to launch 3D avatars and immersive experiences.

As Facebook rebrands to Meta and officially enters the metaverse, the 2021 Microsoft Ignite conference also took place last night. During the conference, Microsoft announced the application of the metaverse concept to its Microsoft Teams service, showcasing two new features: virtual avatars and immersive scene experiences.

Microsoft Metaverse

Every company that wants to develop the metaverse has its own definition of it. For Microsoft, the metaverse is a long-lasting digital world that connects various aspects of the physical world such as people, events, and locations. The metaverse enables the sharing of experiences between the digital and physical worlds.

3D Avatar

Currently, Microsoft is mainly building metaverse features around the Microsoft Teams team communication and collaboration software. In the future, users will be able to create a 3D Avatar virtual alter ego representing themselves during online meetings using Microsoft Teams, without the need for VR devices. Moreover, the Avatar will interact with the user's movements and gestures through Microsoft's AI technology.

This means that during meetings, if you do not want to turn on your camera, you can use this animated substitute to attend the meeting on your behalf.

Immersive Virtual Spaces

Furthermore, Microsoft is also working on creating immersive virtual spaces within Microsoft Teams, allowing users to discuss with colleagues online through virtual environments such as meeting rooms, design centers, and lounges, and even collaborate using Microsoft applications.

Moreover, Microsoft is considering the need for cross-language communication among team members from different countries, so they are developing real-time translation capabilities.

Microsoft product manager Katie Kelly stated:

I believe that Microsoft's exploration of the metaverse truly begins with the human experience. Therefore, presence, conversation with others, eye contact, and reactions are crucial.

Microsoft plans to roll out the above functionalities in the first half of 2022, while Facebook, which officially renamed itself Meta last week, is also dedicated to metaverse development. Both companies seem to have similarities in their metaverse features, such as 3D avatars and virtual interactive spaces. As time goes on, the competition among tech giants in the metaverse will intensify.

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