AltspaceVR to close amid layoffs at Microsoft’s mixed reality division

AltspaceVR, a digital actuality social platform acquired by Microsoft Corp. in 2017, is shutting down as half broad restructuring that noticed Microsoft announce that it was shedding 10,000 workers final week.

Based in 2013, AltspaceVR brings two-dimensional internet content material into shared digital areas, much like a collaborative workspace. The service permits customers to observe streaming movies, play video games and work collectively solely inside a digital actuality atmosphere.

In a blog post, AltspaceVR mentioned it can shut down on March 10, describing the choice as having “not been a straightforward one.”

“This can be a platform many have come to like, offering a spot for folks to discover their identities, specific themselves, and discover neighborhood,” the AltspaceVR staff wrote. “It has been a privilege to assist unlock passions amongst customers, from instructional alternatives for private development to the event of distinctive and great occasions, groundbreaking artwork and immersive experiences.”

Whereas AltspaceVR will be the most high-profile combined reality-related lower by Microsoft as a part of its restructuring, it was not alone. Home windows Central reports that Microsoft has additionally laid off your entire staff behind MRTK – the corporate’s Combined Actuality Took Package.

MRTK is a cross-platform toolkit that accelerated cross-platform mixed-reality app improvement. Open supply, MRTK supported a number of frameworks, together with Microsoft HoloLens 2, Meta Quest, SteamVR and Lenovo ThinkReality A3 (Qualcomm Snapdragon Areas).

It has additionally been reported that Microsoft has made vital cuts to its HoloLens unit following a setback in its makes an attempt to promote the units to the U.S. Military.

It was reported on Jan. 12 {that a} request from the U.S. Military for $400 million to purchase 6,900 googles primarily based on the HoloLens had been blocked by Congress as a result of issues over the expertise. As a substitute, Congress accredited $40 million in funding to repair the problems earlier than it will think about approving a bulk purchase.

With a much-reduced workforce devoted to combined actuality, Microsoft is now focusing its efforts on Microsoft Mesh, a service introduced in 2021 that’s designed to allow extra immersive mixed-reality apps.

“We glance ahead to what’s to come back, together with our launch of Microsoft Mesh, a brand new platform for connection and collaboration, beginning by enabling workplaces world wide,” the AltspaceVR staff mentioned. “Within the close to time period, we’re focusing our VR efforts on office experiences, studying from and alongside our early clients and companions and making certain we ship a basis that permits safety, belief and compliance.”

Picture: AltspaceVR