What Is Microsoft Mesh & Is It Real? | Screen Rant
Microsoft is a software company first, a cloud services provider second, a hardware manufacturer third, and Mesh combines the first two while relying heavily on the last. Mesh is related to the current buzzword of the year, the Metaverse, and it's just as real, which isn't saying much. At the same time, both Microsoft Mesh and the Metaverse have plenty of potential.
Microsoft isn't synonymous with virtual reality in the same way that Oculus is. Facebook, the owner of Oculus, changed its name to Meta recently, demonstrating a commitment of the entire, massive social media juggernaut to the Metaverse, which most agree starts in VR. Microsoft isn't entirely new to this space, however, launching a Development Edition of its HoloLens AR headset in 2016, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets are made for VR.
Microsoft Mesh is a system to enable face-to-face collaboration when participants are physically located in different places. The goal is to provide a familiar work environment even when working from home or abroad. Mesh is available in a limited form, primarily offering just Microsoft Teams Avatars, and is already in use by early testers. It's available first for HoloLens but is supposedly planned to become a multi-device solution. Mesh allows meetings and work projects with collaboration via a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computers, as well as AR or VR headsets which present the most immersive experience. By invitation, Mesh can be used in Microsoft's already VR social network, AltspaceVR.
Recent rumors suggest that Microsoft might be stopping work on the next generation of its HoloLens headset. There have been two generations so far, each with price tags that place them firmly in the territory of big-budget companies, organizations, and government agencies. HoloLens 3 was meant to be a low-cost solution designed for the public, with rumors suggesting a 2024 release.
If HoloLens is shutting down, that might mean trouble for Microsoft Mesh, which is still in the very early stages. HoloLens is the premier solution for Mesh, but the AltspaceVR version does work with Oculus Quest, Windows Mixed Reality, and HTC Vive headsets as well as on PCs. That means there is a way for Mesh to continue even if rumors of HoloLens' demise are true. The real question is whether enough people will be interested in using Microsoft's virtual presence solution and if it provides enough value to collaborative work. Microsoft Mesh is real, but needs to be expanded greatly and quickly in order to carve a niche in the Metaverse.
Source: Microsoft