Microsoft Re-evaluates Priorities, Dismantles Metaverse Division
Metaverse Project Gets Cut by Microsoft
In a recent development, Microsoft has made the decision to lay off 100 members of its metaverse division, as part of its plan to reduce 10,000 workers announced earlier this year.
Microsoft’s Vision for the Metaverse
The metaverse project, once headed by Microsoft’s Chief Commercial Officer, Judson Althoff, was envisioned as a next-generation platform for immersive communication and collaboration in a work environment. The idea was to revolutionize the way society collaborates.
The End of an Era for Metaverse at Microsoft
However, the termination of the metaverse division doesn’t come as a complete shock. Just last month, AltspaceVR, a subsidiary of Microsoft, announced its closure on March 10th. Instead, Microsoft appears to be focusing on Mesh, a virtual environment for remote collaboration and holographic interaction, rather than dedicating resources to a separate metaverse platform like Sandbox.
Microsoft and AI: A Match Made in Heaven
In January, Microsoft made a $10 billion investment in OpenAI, the creator of the highly popular ChatGPT machine learning tool. With this investment, OpenAI is valued at $29 billion and Microsoft holds a 49% stake in the company.
ChatGPT: The Future of Search?
ChatGPT is quickly becoming a game-changer in the search industry. With its integration into Microsoft’s Edge browser, the tool offers more personalized and focused search results. According to Philippe Ockenden, CFO of the Windows, Devices, and Search businesses, for every percentage point increase in Bing’s search ads, Microsoft stands to generate $2 billion in revenue.
Microsoft’s AI Ambition
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is confident that AI will play a major role in the company’s efforts to compete with Google. With Azure cloud computing, Microsoft Mesh and OpenAI, the company has the infrastructure to provide scaled back-end services and generate shared virtual experiences with Inception and Character.ai.
Inception and Character.ai: The Future of Metaverse Immersion
Inception allows startups to tap into Microsoft’s resources and cutting-edge innovations, while Character.ai powers AI-driven virtual characters to interact with humans in real time. With Microsoft’s mixed reality/VR hardware, the company is poised to play a major role in the development of metaverse immersion. Excitement is building among residents, particularly in Florida, for the potential to experience such innovative virtual environments.