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Microsoft and Meta join forces to redefine future of work and play with immersive experiences

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In a world where work can happen from anywhere at any time, it’s only natural that people have started craving for new ways to collaborate and co-create. The metaverse will play an important role in providing these types of connections with its immersive technology. In fact, Microsoft’s Work Trend Index data shows that 50% of Gen Z and millennials envision doing some of their work in the metaverse in the next two years. 

To ensure workplace productivity and collaboration by delivering immersive software experiences to users on all their favorite devices, Microsoft will partner with Meta to offer more choice and security to the customers as they venture into the metaverse. 

During the Meta Connect 2022 event, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella joined Meta CEO Mark Zucker berg to announce their partnership to bring powerful new work and productivity tools to Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 in 2023. This includes apps for Microsoft Windows 365 and Microsoft Teams and the ability to join a Teams meeting from inside the Meta Horizon Workrooms. 

Nadella said, “Microsoft is particularly excited about how the virtual and physical worlds are coming together. This new partnership brings Microsoft’s popular productivity tools to Meta’s virtual reality devices, giving people even more flexibility in how they collaborate and get work done.” 

Teams in VR

Mesh for Microsoft Teams to Meta Quest devices 

As announced during Meta Connect 2022, Microsoft will bring Mesh for Microsoft Teams to Meta Quest devices. Mesh for Teams builds on Microsoft Cloud innovation, from Azure Digital Twins to Dynamics 365 Remote Assist and Teams video meetings. It will help people gather virtually where work happens on any device such as smartphones, laptops, and mixed-reality headsets. Mesh for Teams with Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 devices will enable people to connect and collaborate as if they are together in person. 

Microsoft 365 apps on Meta Quest devices 

Microsoft 365 apps will be available on Meta Quest devices which will enable people to interact with content from their favorite productivity apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint within virtual reality (VR). In the future, Windows 365 on Meta Quest devices, will enable people to stream a Windows Cloud PC including personalized apps, content, and settings. 

Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory will support Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 devices. This will enable IT, administrators, to confidently provision these devices for users who have a Quest for Business subscription from Meta so that VR also has security and management options as in PCs and mobile devices. 

Xbox Cloud Gaming on Quest devices 

Microsoft will bring its streaming game service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, to the Meta Quest Store. This will allow gamers to stream hundreds of high-quality Xbox games to phones, tablets, PCs, select smart TVs, and the Meta Quest platform.  

Regarding the Microsoft and Meta partnership, Jeff Teper, President – Microsoft Collaborative Apps and Platforms, said, “This partnership complements our commitment to HoloLens, and we are excited to continue evolving our mixed-reality devices roadmap, leading with our cloud-first approach, and with Windows and Microsoft 365 at the fore. All of this advances our effor0ts to build the foundations of a responsible metaverse, with security, compliance, and enterprise-grade experiences as foundational to how we will continue to unlock new possibilities for the future of work.” 

Image Credit: Microsoft 

Read next: Microsoft Cloud Partner Program goes live on October 3, 2022. Here’s what you need to know.

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