Bluejeans App A Virtual Watercooler For Remote Workers

Verizon Communications ($VZ@US) video chat app BlueJeans will begin testing a feature called Spaces, which offers virtual rooms where people appear as 3D cartoonish avatars and can hang out, overhear conversations and even join them. The app aims to recreate the experience of everyday office interactions as teams continue to work remotely due to the pandemic. Other companies like Zoom Video Communications ($ZM@US) and Microsoft ($MSFT@US) are also developing features to foster spontaneous conversation. The offering is also available in 2D, with headshot replacing avatars. Verizon developed a new graphics rendering system to make Spaces work across mobile and desktop devices, and invited customers will test the feature in the fourth quarter.