During its annual Ignite conference, Microsoft announced a series of updates for its collaboration and messaging platform, Teams. One notable highlight is the introduction of an AI-driven noise reduction feature aimed at enhancing the video calling experience. This voice isolation feature not only minimizes background noise but also reduces the volume of other participants in the meeting. Microsoft has commenced the initial rollout of this feature, and it is expected to be generally available in early 2024.
Another AI-based addition to Teams is the “decorate your background” feature, allowing users to virtually enhance their work environments. This feature, available for Teams Premium users starting in early 2024, enables users to tidy up their surroundings or add virtual elements like plants to their backgrounds.
Microsoft is also introducing immersive spaces in Teams, set to be generally available in January 2024. This feature allows users to create avatars and attend meetings in various 3D environments. Within these spaces, users can engage in interactive activities such as playing games, roasting virtual marshmallows, or throwing virtual beanbags for a more engaging virtual meeting experience.
Teams users can expect additional features, including customizable emoji reactions, the ability to forward chats, create group chat profile pictures, and add a private second phone number for specific callers. The platform is also incorporating new keyboard shortcuts for improved user experience.
Microsoft has been actively enhancing the Teams application, having recently revamped the app on Windows and Mac. The web experience on browsers like Edge and Chrome will also incorporate these changes. Microsoft has pledged to double the performance of the video calling app while reducing memory usage by 50%, ensuring a smoother and more efficient user experience.
