Microsoft has launched a private preview of Mesh avatars for Microsoft Teams; they can be built from the app via the Teams home screen or accessed via the builder from within a Teams meeting.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to offering innovative solutions to encourage collaboration and enhance connection, regardless of work location. One of our latest solutions is Mesh avatars for Microsoft Teams—one of our first steps to enabling metaverse experiences for customers,” said Avery Salumbides, product marketing manager at Microsoft, in a blog post.

Within the Mesh avatar builder, user can create a unique avatar by choosing from a range of options and creating specific adjustments; physical attributes, wardrobe, accessories, and more are all customizable.

Muhammad Kapasi, general engineering manager for Mesh, noted: “We believe that representation matters—which is why we have taken Mesh avatar customization options very seriously. We want to make avatars as unique as you are, so we are enabling features to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.”

Users are able easily to join meetings as an avatar—and the avatar can even provide reactions like smiling, clapping, and frowning.

“According to our research, about 50% of Gen Z and Millennials envision doing some of their work in the metaverse in the next two years,” concluded Salumbides. “We think they’ve got the right idea. With Mesh avatars, employees will be able to connect with presence in Microsoft Teams meetings without turning their camera on. They can represent themselves the way they want to show up by choosing the avatar fits their specific meeting—from casual, professional, or day-to-day.”

UPDATE: Avatars for Microsoft Teams went into public preview on March 27, 2023. Click here to read more about it.