Microsoft Teams is introducing 3D avatars starting in May

As The Verge reports, the forthcoming availability of customizable 3D characters to use during your meetings was confirmed in a Microsoft 365 roadmap update.

"Avatars for Microsoft Teams gives you that much-needed camera break, while still allowing you to collaborate effectively," according to Microsoft. "You can add a new layer of choice to your meetings and represent yourself the way you want with customizable avatars and reactions."

Currently in development and testing, "Mesh avatars" were first introduced as a private preview in October, offering Technology Adoption Program (TAP) customers the option to replace their real-life face with an animated likeness.

Users will be able to choose from hundreds of combinations across a range of physical attributes and wardrobe options, making adjustments to ensure their digital counterpart looks like the real thing.

"We want you to be able to express yourself via your Mesh avatar, so we created avatar reactions, a mood toggle, and options to adjust the camera angle," Product Marketing Manager Avery Salumbides said last year. "Join your meeting with a smile on your face and show enthusiasm with just the right reaction—whether your coworker makes a point you agree with, says something surprising, or shares a funny story from the weekend."

There is no word on exactly when in May the feature will reach Teams users, but eventually it should be possible to use them in VR meetings using Meta Quest headsets.