Microsoft Mesh is a new platform that enables immersive and collaborative experiences in mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). With Microsoft Mesh, you can connect with your colleagues and clients in Teams using realistic avatars, 3D content, and spatial audio. You can also use your existing devices, such as HoloLens 2, VR headsets, PCs, tablets, and smartphones, to join Microsoft Mesh sessions in Teams.
In this article, we will explore what Microsoft Mesh is, how you can experience it in Teams, and how organizations are using it to transform their work.
What is Microsoft Mesh?
Microsoft Mesh is an XR (extended reality) meetings solution that leverages cloud and AI technologies to create immersive and interactive spaces. With Microsoft Mesh, you can:
- An XR meetings solution: Meet with your team in a shared holographic space, where you can see and interact with each otherâs avatars, 3D models, and digital content. You can also use hand gestures, eye gaze, and voice to communicate naturally and expressively.
- Enhancing virtual connections in Teams: Integrate Microsoft Mesh with Teams to seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D meetings, chat, and calls. You can also access your Teams files, apps, and calendar from within Microsoft Mesh sessions.
- Use of familiar devices: Join Microsoft Mesh sessions from any device that supports Teams, such as HoloLens 2, VR headsets, PCs, tablets, and smartphones. You can also use the Microsoft Mesh app on HoloLens 2 and VR headsets to create and join sessions independently of Teams.
Experience Microsoft Mesh in Teams
Microsoft Mesh in Teams offers a range of benefits for enhancing your meetings and collaboration. With Microsoft Mesh in Teams, you can:
- Comprehensive security: Rely on the same security and compliance standards that Teams provides, such as end-to-end encryption, data residency, and multi-factor authentication. You can also manage your Microsoft Mesh sessions and participants from the Teams admin center.
- Deepen connections: Feel more connected and engaged with your team by seeing their realistic avatars, facial expressions, and body language. You can also customize your avatarâs appearance, clothing, and accessories to reflect your identity and style.
- Reduce distractions: Focus on your meeting agenda and content by eliminating background noise, interruptions, and travel costs. You can also use spatial audio to hear your team members as if they were in the same room with you.
- Inspire innovation: Collaborate more creatively and effectively by co-creating and co-editing 3D models, diagrams, and documents in real-time. You can also use annotations, whiteboards, and polls to share your ideas and feedback.
How Organizations are Using Microsoft Mesh?
Microsoft Mesh is already being used by various organizations across different industries and sectors to enhance their work processes and outcomes. Some examples are:
- Accenture expanding their digital campus: Accenture is using Microsoft Mesh to create a virtual campus for their employees, where they can learn, network, and collaborate in immersive spaces. The campus features various zones, such as a lobby, a theater, a classroom, and a lounge, where employees can access learning content, events, and social activities.
- Mercy Ships creating a digital twin for training: Mercy Ships is using Microsoft Mesh to create a digital twin of their hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, which provides free surgeries and medical care to people in need. The digital twin allows volunteers and staff to train and prepare for their missions in a realistic and safe environment.
- Takedaâs Hirameki Garden for employee immersion: Takeda is using Microsoft Mesh to create a virtual garden, called Hirameki, which means âinspirationâ in Japanese. The garden is a place where employees can immerse themselves in nature, relax, and recharge. The garden also features interactive elements, such as flowers, butterflies, and waterfalls, that respond to the usersâ actions and emotions.
- DXC Technology facilitating collaboration in hybrid work environments: DXC Technology is using Microsoft Mesh to enable collaboration and communication among their global teams and clients in hybrid work environments. The company is using Microsoft Mesh to host virtual workshops, brainstorming sessions, and presentations, where participants can interact with 3D content and data.
- PwC using immersive experiences for wellness: PwC is using Microsoft Mesh to create immersive experiences for their employeesâ wellness and well-being. The company is using Microsoft Mesh to offer virtual yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness exercises, where employees can join from anywhere and feel more calm and relaxed.
