"Microsoft Teams introduces 3D avatars for webcam-free meetings"

Microsoft Teams will be adding 3D avatars to its platform in May, as part of its "Mesh" initiative. The customizable avatars will allow users to appear on camera without actually showing their real selves. The initial versions of the avatars will only animate when users are speaking, but Microsoft eventually wants them to mimic users' real-world facial expressions and movements. Mesh for Teams was originally slated to launch in 2022, but it's unclear if the pandemic and Microsoft's push for AI features have affected those plans.