Microsoft to Launch Virtual Office Space Solution in Jan 24′

Following a period of beta testing, Microsoft Mesh, an immersive content creation suite for designing bespoke immersive environments for enterprise end usage, will debut in January 2024. The Mesh suite for creating custom will also be available for Teams Premium members. 

As part of its Ignite 2023 online showcase event, Microsoft announced the news alongside updates on Microsoft innovations in enterprise-grade XR, industrial metaverse, and AI solutions.  

Microsoft Mesh is a suite of no-code tools and integrated Unity features that enable enterprise customers to create bespoke immersive spaces. 

Mesh enables companies to create custom immersive experiences for specific business needs, like employee events, training, tours, and product showcases. 

XR project managers can choose from a collection of pre-built immersive environments available via the Mesh platform. Then, using the no-code/Unity tools, a developer personalizes the space to create a template which an entire organization can access and use. 

Microsoft will reveal more details on the Mesh for enterprise service as the January 2024 general availability release approaches. However, Microsoft notes additional features such as speaker enhancements, attendee engagement options, and interaction.

Moreover, at Ignite 2023, Microsoft also introduced an updated Avatar for Teams system that will debut alongside Mesh next year.

More Info: Microsoft Mesh

Microsoft Mesh is currently in a public testing period whereby the firm is ironing out the service ready for its 2024 debut. Following Mesh’s latest update at Microsoft’s Build 2023 event, the firm is working with select enterprise end-users to showcase and improve the service. The firm is also working hard to highlight how its other XR ambitions, such as the Hololens 2, are finding success in the workplace – readying up for what appears to be a big XR year for Microsoft.

At Build 2023, Microsoft introduced new updates, which will be generally available in January via its public release. The Mesh platform also provides cross-platform connectivity across VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro, PCs, laptops, and others. This offers the flexibility to join meetings as physical faces or virtual avatars.

Mesh is a solution that aims to create flexible, agile, and immersive workspaces, reducing the need for travel while digitally building co-presence. With Mesh, Microsoft also hopes to help clients minimize travel costs, therefore saving companies time and money.

According to a case study by Microsoft, the Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda began using Mesh in 2023 for its learning and collaborative initiatives. The company created several environments on the Mesh platform, such as the Hirameki Garden. This immersive space transported workers to a centre for learning culture, onboarding new hires, and socialization. Takeda also developed an immersive museum to showcase its company offerings, history, culture, and staff.

Other companies, including Accenture, DXC Technology, PwC, the World Economic Forum, and Telefonica, have also utilized the technology. Many have used Mesh to host guided tours, onboard new employees, and hold industry events. The platform features scenes that mirror real-world locations, and Accenture has even used it for its One Accenture Park space for onboarding and training new employees.

The Mesh update follows a multi-month hype period that saw Microsoft highlight its industrial Metaverse roadmap into 2024. With the recent Ignite updates, including Dynamic Giudes and Avatars for Team, Microsoft appears to be back in the XR race. Alongside Apple, Meta, and others, the XR space may see a resurgence in 2024.