Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is sunsetting its social virtual reality platform and VR-pioneer AltspaceVR, which offers immersive social spaces for people to interact with friends and colleagues as 3D avatars.
The tech giant will now shift its focus to facilitate VR/AR experiences through its Mesh platform, specifically targeting corporates looking to collaborate remotely.
The news comes amidst company-wide layoffs, which have affected around 10,000 jobs, shrinking some key projects in the mixed reality division.
Microsoft had initially rescued AltspaceVR in 2017 when it was on the brink of a shutdown.
AltspaceVR encouraged creators and developers on its platform to host final events in the coming weeks, as the platform is scheduled to sunset on March 10, 2023.
We have some sad news, Altspacers. #AltspaceVR is shutting down on March 10th.Though we hate saying goodbye, we also feel such pride and gratitude for all the magic that happened here. ✨
Thanks for joining us on this epic adventure. #socialvr https://t.co/peCwpaaBl3
— AltspaceVR (@AltspaceVR) January 20, 2023
Expanding into business
In a blog post, Microsoft said: “As we look to the future, we see the opportunity for VR expanding beyond consumer into business and now have an even greater goal: a more open, accessible and secure version of immersive experiences in the metaverse.
“To achieve that we have made the difficult decision to sunset the AltspaceVR platform on March 10, 2023, and shift our focus to support immersive experiences powered by Microsoft Mesh.”
Mesh into the future
Unlike Altspace which is more consumer-oriented, Microsoft Mesh is targeting the workplace.
Notably, Mesh enables presence and shared experiences from anywhere – on any device – through mixed reality applications.
With its Holoportation feature, you could project yourself as your most lifelike, photorealistic self in mixed reality to interact as if you are there in person.
If you don’t like that, you can always choose an avatar.
The company adds: “In the near term, we are focusing our VR efforts on workplace experiences, learning from and alongside our early customers and partners, and ensuring we deliver a foundation that enables security, trust and compliance.
“Over time, we hope to extend to consumer experience as well."