Microsoft is narrowing its . In a spotted by (via ), the company announced it would shut down AltspaceVR, the social virtual reality platform the company , on March 10th, 2023. Microsoft attributed the decision to a desire to focus on Mesh, the mixed reality platform the company and later said would come to .
“We look forward to what is to come, including our launch of Microsoft Mesh, a new platform for connection and collaboration, starting by enabling workplaces around the world,” Microsoft said. “In the near term, we are focusing our VR efforts on workplace experiences, learning from and alongside our early customers and partners, and ensuring we deliver a foundation that enables security, trust and compliance. Over time, we hope to extend to consumer experience[s] a[s] well.”
News of the shutdown comes after Microsoft confirmed it would through the end of March. According to , Microsoft plans to cut the entire AltspaceVR team as part of the reorganization. , the company also reduced the headcount of its HoloLens team. Over the past year, the division has seen the departure of former head Alex Kipman, who left Microsoft in June , and the with the US military. In 2022, Microsoft also reportedly abandoned plans it had for a new HoloLens device.
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