We’ve seen several companies beginning to experiment with the meeting space lately. From Cisco Spark VR allowing businesses to create their own virtual spaces for collaboration to Zoom implementing AR technology into learning environments. Now it appears Microsoft could be following in the same direction after the technology giant successfully acquired AltspaceVR at the beginning of October.
When Altspace began, it was one of the most innovative VR services available on the network, accessible on a range of VR headsets, as well as traditional screens. Not only did Altspace create digital environments for people to come together and play games, but it also provided a great environment for sharing activities around the world too. Unfortunately, the startup burned through their cash pretty quickly, and almost broke down before it was unexpectedly resurrected, thanks to Microsoft.
Microsoft Revives AltspaceVR
In the announcement following the acquisition, Microsoft stated that AltspaceVR would be staying “as is” for the time being. Apparently, the tech company wants to make sure that they maintain the existing community that AltspaceVR had begun to build while improving opportunities for people to connect and interact across geographical boundaries. During the months after the acquisition, the focus will be largely on keeping the community for AltspaceVR as strong as possible.
However, there’s a good chance that that’s not the end of the road for Microsoft’s plans in VR. In fact, we’re pretty convinced that the tech giant has another idea in mind entirely. For instance, imagine a world where you could invite your friends into a conversation taking place on Skype, and actually see them sitting around you at the same time. Microsoft’s current position in the marketplace could make VR integration a compelling way for them to start pushing ahead of their competitors.
The Virtual Meeting Space?
As Microsoft begins to integrate Skype for Business into Microsoft Teams, they could even look at using VR technology in the Teams environment, to make sharing information and collaborating on projects a more engaging experience for people within the workforce. This is something that many other companies are beginning to experiment with, and it’s safe to say that Microsoft has both the resources and imagination to bring the concept of the virtual meeting room to life.
Of course, for now, all we can do is sit back and wait to see what comes next from the AltspaceVR acquisition, but we’re feeling excited about the possibilities at hand.
