It has happened to the best of us. You log into a corporate Microsoft Teams video conference but forget the camera is on. Before you know it, HR is calling to let you know that the accidental moment of nudity has cost you that position at a Fortune 500 company. Even though none of the women complained, I’m no longer an Apple employee.
What could have solved this? Official Microsoft Teams 3D avatars! We knew this feature was coming, but that announcement was made two years ago. As of May 2023, the avatars will be officially part of the program, according to The Verge.
The best part about the new animated 3D avatars is that a camera is not required to use them. Instead, the digital representations will trigger various animations based on the user’s vocal cues.
The Microsoft Teams roadmap doesn’t tell us much. I’d like to know how customizable the avatars are and if I can trigger emotes via keystrokes rather than vocalization: “Avatars for Microsoft Teams gives you that much-needed camera break, while still allowing you to collaborate effectively. You can add a new layer of choice to your meetings and represent yourself the way you want with customizable avatars and reactions.”
Videos of the MESH avatars from months ago show off a fairly robust list of options. However, will these be improved during the final rollout?
One of the most famous video conference call disasters was when CNN’s Jeffery Toobin appeared totally naked on camera while polishing an acorn glued to his groin area. I understand that conference calls can be tedious. Hopefully, the Teams avatars won’t include inappropriate animations to mimic the Toobin-Lubin’.
Will you be taking advantage of the upcoming avatars? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: PC MAG] [Source: The Verge]ClownfishTV.com strives to be an apolitical, balanced and based pop culture news outlet. However, our contributors are entitled to their individual opinions. Author opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of our video hosts, other site contributors, site editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. This website contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We disclaim products or services we have received for review purposes, as well as sponsored posts.
