Microsoft will add 3D avatars for all Microsoft Teams users starting in May, according to an update to its Microsoft 365 roadmap. Microsoft originally announced the avatars feature in 2021 and has been testing it privately for the past few months.
3D avatars finally come to Microsoft Teams
Avatars in Microsoft Teams are designed so that people can avoid appearing on camera during meetings. If you don’t feel like video or need a break from the constant calls, you can switch to a 3D avatar that will animate based on your voice cues alone, with no camera required at all.
“It’s non-binary, so I can choose how I want to present myself, whether it’s with video or an avatar, and there are a variety of custom options to choose how you want to present yourself in a meeting”said Katie Kelly, senior product manager for Microsoft Mesh, in an interview with The Verge in 2021. “We’re able to interpret your vocal cues to animate that avatar, so it feels present and it feels like it’s with you.”
Microsoft also plans use these avatars in your immersive 3D meetings that has partnered with Meta to implement them in virtual reality equipment. Microsoft is creating a Teams client for the Meta Quest headset to allow people to conduct virtual reality meetings with 3D avatars that feature floating emojis and animations such as the ability to raise their hands.
3D avatars are an innovative and fun way to improve communication and collaboration in Microsoft Teams. With them, users will be able to express themselves better and feel more connected with their coworkers or clients. In addition, they can enjoy a more realistic and immersive experience by participating in virtual meetings. If you want to try this new feature, make sure to update your Microsoft Teams app to the latest version available.