Background: Facebook (aka Meta) has been all about the 'metaverse' lately. Ya know, the next version of the internet that has lots of 3D virtual spaces and augmented reality features. The idea is that people can feel like they're in the same space...even if they're not.

What happened: Microsoft have been quietly doing their own metaverse exploration for a 'lil while now. In 2015, they created a VR headset called HoloLens...and in 2017, they acquired a VR social network called AltspaceVR.

What else: Now, the company have revealed their next foray into the metaverse: Mesh for Teams. It consists of 3D avatars that people can use instead of their real selves for Teams meetings (i.e. you can officially stay in your PJs all day long).

So what's the key learning?

💡The future is meta, and the battle for your digital avatar is only just beginning. Facebook recently rebranded to 'Meta' to reflect its focus on the metaverse. Could Microsoft become Metasoft? You heard it here first.

💡The first battleground for the metaverse is the workplace. The idea is that the metaverse will foster collaboration and make remote working a lot easier.

💡Meta has around 7 million paying users of their workplace communications...and then they have billions of users across their other platforms. Microsoft on the other hand have 250 million Teams users to kick off their plans. Choose your player wisely.