As organizations around the world grapple with the evolving landscape of work, Microsoft has unveiled a new solution: Microsoft Mesh. This platform ushers in a new era of hybrid work, seamlessly blending the physical and virtual realms to foster collaboration and connection.
What is Microsoft Mesh?
Mesh is a mixed reality platform that empowers geographically dispersed teams to meet and collaborate in shared virtual spaces, represented by digital avatars. Imagine attending a meeting or brainstorming session alongside colleagues, all from the comfort of your own home or office, without the limitations of physical distance.
Key Features of Microsoft Mesh
- Immersive Spaces: Mesh provides a variety of pre-built spaces, from cafes and conference rooms to classrooms and training facilities. Companies can further customize these spaces with branding, logos, and informational videos, creating a familiar and engaging environment.
- Mesh Toolkit: For organizations seeking a more personalized touch, the Mesh toolkit, powered by Unity, unlocks advanced world-building capabilities. Create custom virtual environments tailored to your specific needs and brand identity.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: Mesh is accessible on a range of devices, including desktop PCs, laptops, and mixed reality headsets like Meta Quest 2. This flexibility ensures everyone can participate, regardless of their hardware preferences.
- Seamless Integration: Mesh seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, your existing communication hub. Launch Mesh directly from Teams meetings, fostering a smooth transition between physical and virtual interactions.
Currently, Mesh runs on desktop PCs and Meta Quest VR headsets (for an extra immersive experience). A six-month free trial is available for business and enterprise users. After that, pricing ranges from $4 per user per month to $57 per user per month depending on your Microsoft 365 plan.