Don’t feel like making a video call, but is audio-only a bit impersonal? Try Microsoft Teams 3D avatars today to see if it’s a happy medium for you.

Two weeks ago Microsoft announced that it is working on 3D animated characters in Teams along with video filters. The latter went live immediately, we had to wait a bit for the 3D avatars. Until now, because anyone who runs the public preview version of Microsoft Teams can already test the function today.

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. This makes the 3D avatars an ideal interim solution for people who value their privacy.

How much the 3D characters will load your system is not yet clear. At the moment we don’t see the feature within Microsoft Teams. We suspect that when you’re on screen with two or more 3D avatars, the graphical demands skyrocket compared to traditional video. If you can go a whole day without a charger and have to be economical with the laptop battery, it is better to stick with pure audio.

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