Microsoft Teams brings back the Metaverse concept through Immersive Events, detailing the anticipated features.
Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Immersive Events, which is revolutionizing virtual meetings and networking within its popular platform, Microsoft Teams. This feature embeds a 3D, avatar-driven spatial environment directly into Teams, offering a more interactive and engaging experience for up to 300 participants[1][3].
Immersive Events enhances virtual interactions by allowing attendees to use avatars and engage in spatial audio conversations, fostering more organic, side conversations and group interactions compared to traditional video calls[1][3]. The feature also offers customizable environments, enabling organizers to design 3D event spaces using no-code tools and tailoring the experience to meet branding and interaction goals[5].
Integrated and seamless access is another key advantage of Immersive Events. Since they are embedded inside Microsoft Teams, attendees join via the familiar interface and calendar invites, with no need for external apps, reducing friction for users and IT[1][3]. Real-time engagement tools like avatar reactions and the ability to take selfies to share in chat further enhance expression and engagement during events[3].
Security and scalability are paramount in Immersive Events. Built into Microsoft 365, the feature supports secure management with identity integration and scales for various event types including meetings, town halls, and product launches[1].
Creating an immersive event in Microsoft Teams is a straightforward process. Users simply need to select "Immersive event", add event details, co-organizers, and attendees, and choose an Immersive experience template[4]. Microsoft provides a step-by-step guide to create an immersive event in a support document[2].
Microsoft Teams' Immersive events can accommodate more attendees than the Immersive Space view in Teams meetings. The platform offers three different environments for immersive events: Cascades, Oasis, and Canvas. Cascades is a virtual stage with tiered seating, ideal for presentations, and includes a social area with icebreaker activities and conversation prompts. Oasis is a virtual conference room for larger team meetings, and Canvas is a purposefully plain room designed for creators and hosts to customize the space[4].
The metaverse, while a major focus in tech before AI, has seen a decrease in discussion due to the global pandemic and the return to offices. However, Microsoft's Immersive Events feature shows a continued commitment to this technology, bringing XR (extended reality) collaboration into the mainstream and making virtual meetings and networking more interactive, engaging, and inclusive while leveraging Microsoft's existing ecosystem and security[1][5].
Attending an immersive event on a Meta Quest headset requires the Teams immersive app. Event invites are sent to attendees with join links they will use to enter the event[4].
In conclusion, Microsoft's Immersive Events feature is a game-changer for virtual meetings and networking, offering a more immersive, interactive, and engaging experience. With its customizable environments, integrated access, real-time engagement tools, enterprise-grade security, and scalability, Microsoft Teams' Immersive Events are set to transform the way we collaborate and network in the digital age.
[1] Microsoft Teams Blog: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/introducing-immersive-events-in-microsoft-teams/ba-p/3720526
[2] Microsoft Support: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/immersive-experiences/create-an-immersive-event
[3] TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/23/microsoft-teams-introduces-immersive-events-for-a-more-engaging-remote-work-experience/
[4] The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/23/22346932/microsoft-teams-immersive-events-virtual-reality-avatars-metaverse
[5] ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-teams-introduces-immersive-events-to-make-your-virtual-meetings-more-engaging/
- Microsoft's new Immersive Events feature in Microsoft Teams is revolutionizing the experience of virtual meetings, offering an interactive and engaging spatial environment for up to 300 participants, enhancing organic side conversations and group interactions.
- Immersive Events offers customizable 3D event spaces that organizers can design using no-code tools, tailoring the experience to meet branding and interaction goals.
- Attendees join Immersive Events via the familiar Microsoft Teams interface and calendar invites, with no need for external apps, which reduces friction for users and IT.
- Real-time engagement tools like avatar reactions and the ability to take selfies to share in chat further enhance expression and engagement during events.
- Microsoft Teams' Immersive events are secure, scalable, and built into Microsoft 365, supporting secure management with identity integration and scaling for various event types.
- The Immersive Experience app on Meta Quest headsets can be used to attend an immersive event in Microsoft Teams, making XR (extended reality) collaboration more mainstream and interactive, while leveraging Microsoft's existing ecosystem and security.
