Microsoft has announced that it is introducing AI-optimised avatars to its extended reality meeting solution, Mesh for Teams.
Also announced as part of AWE 2024 were wardrobe and emote options, tailored space for workshops, and general availability for Mac access.
Avery Salumbides, Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft, wrote in an accompanying blog post:
In January, we announced the general availability of Mesh in Teams. We launched with the promise of unlocking deeper engagement for hybrid and remote teams across the world. Today, we're thrilled to unveil our latest advancements designed to optimize the avatar creation process with the help of AI and enrich your virtual collaboration."
AI-enabled avatar creation entails users submitting a photo of themselves. AI algorithms analyse the visual features to predict the best matches for a user's face shape, hair, eyewear, and facial hair. These best matches are fused to produce three avatar options for a user.
In the public preview this month, users can take or upload a photo of themselves, and Microsoft's AI-enabled technology will generate an avatar that represents them.
More Specifics On The Other New Features
Starting now, users can explore an expanded selection of wardrobe enhancements, including new clothing options, more professional attire, and upgrades to the texture, fit, and colour of the garments within the Avatar Builder.
In July, Microsoft is set to introduce emotes, adding a new dimension to user expression within the 3D immersive environments integrated into every Teams meeting. Users can access the "reactions" button in the menu bar at the bottom centre of the immersive space view to discover the newly added emotes beneath the original Teams reactions when participating in an immersive space.
Starting in June, Microsoft is unveiling a new space designed specifically for workshops, brainstorming sessions, and employee orientations in public preview. These curated 3D spaces are crafted to enhance any event a user is planning—be it a networking event at the Lakehouse, a PowerPoint presentation in the Oasis space, or a breakout discussion in Microsoft's latest environment.
