Microsoft Teams avatars useful or not?
Microsoft Teams Avatars? Does that sound like a cool move to you? Microsoft have introduced avatars into the Teams application very. Personally I love the idea. I think it is a cool feature that will take off well. It is the future and a lot of people will use them.
However, there are very good reasons why the avatar will not be used all the time.
Sometimes we want the real YOU on camera
One of the reasons why we often decide to put on the camera is to have that direct visual link with a colleague or peer. The visual contact in an online call could also enhance a sale with a potential customer. There are many vital cues we take from the camera. An avatar could hide these vital cues but in the end depends on how closely the avatar is matching the actions and facial expressions of the user.
My “no camera on” meetings might evolve into avatar meetings
When I am having regular calls with my inner team I do not ask for the camera to be on. I have a close relationship with my social media marketing team so we have a “no pressure just relax” approach to the camera being on. Let’s just concentrate on the projects and not how we look type moments. I might be happy to use an avatar in those meetings as long as the experience does not detract from the work and dialogue.
How to Set Up and Create Your Avatar
- Install the app first: What you need to do is to Go to Apps option (left sidebar) in Microsoft Teams, you can search for Avatars, and click Add.
- Open the app: Click the three dots (left menu), find Avatars, and open it.
- Create your new avatar: Click the + icon to add an avatar. Either create from base or create from your own photo
- Customize: Adjust your skin tone, hair, makeup, body shape, facial features, and clothing. You can have up to 3 different avatars per account.
How to Use Your Avatar in a Meeting
- Join meetings with the avatar: Join meetings, turn your video camera off, click on the option MORE (….), select the option “Effects and avatars”, and select Avatars.
- Express yourself as only you can: Access extra settings for example gestures, reactions, plus moods using the dropdown menu near the camera icon
I think Microsoft Teams avatars will be a big success
No VR headset needed with these Microsoft Teams Avatars. They can be used in both 2D and 3D meetings.
We will all get used to it although I can imagine some people insisting on never switching them on. We must respect that some people will never want to use an avatar.
People might try and use silly avatars in a business setting which could be seen as inappropriate. Thus, I can imagine brand and IT departments creating guidelines.
Let’s see.
