Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the Teams app for iOS devices that allows users with a Dynamics 365 license to use spatial annotations. This update is specifically targeted at frontline workers who rely on their smartphones to carry out work tasks.
According to Microsoft, in a blog post, the spatial annotations feature allows sharing vision through the front camera, enabling real-time collaboration with 3D annotations on physical objects. Users can move without losing the annotations, improving communication and reducing errors.
Unlike Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, the standalone Microsoft app that offers similar mixed reality features, the integration into the Teams app for iOS aims to simplify the process for workers by not requiring a separate app, as well as facilitating collaboration by leveraging the existing features in Teams.
Although this update is focused on frontline workers, IT administrators will also benefit, as they will have fewer apps to manage and increased security thanks to end-to-end encryption and other measures implemented by Microsoft in Teams.
The feature is available for users with a Dynamics 365 Field Service, Dynamics 365 Guides, or Dynamics 365 Remote Assist license, and public preview is expected to be available to everyone by the end of 2024. Android users will also be able to access this feature through the Teams app for Android this summer.