Today you can get started with video filters in Microsoft Teams. In May you will also get the opportunity to create a 3D avatar.

Anyone jumping straight into a video call will soon have more options to spice up your video stream. Within the new interface you can quickly choose your background for the call, make it blurry or just no background, the basic options previously available further down the menu.

A new feature is the ability to work with video filters. Instead of a traditional background, you can overlay a filter over your video. You will be given a choice of animated frames or styles that will affect the color of your video. You can also use these functions in the new interface and see them in the preview window at the same time.

These video filters were provided by Custom Filter, a first-party app that works closely with Microsoft. IT teams can choose whether or not these filters are available within the organization through the tenant admin center. The filters are not available in the Education licenses.

The feature is currently only available to Teams users with a Windows PC. It is not yet clear whether the function will also be offered to other platforms in the long term.

See yourself in 3D

Microsoft Teams will get support for 3D avatars starting in May, according to The Verge. You can design your 3D model in advance using various settings. If you prefer not to be in the picture, you can let the 3D avatar perform. It will be animated based on your voice. You don’t need to set up your webcam to use the feature.

Over time, it wants to use these 3D avatars in virtual reality as well. Microsoft is working on a Teams version for the VR glasses Meta Quest to hold virtual meetings. There is no more clarity about this for the time being.