Microsoft announces new features in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has announced a set of new features in Microsoft Teams that make virtual interactions more organic and engaging, supporting the global shift into a more hybrid model of work, learning, and life.

With the new Microsoft Teams features, users can enjoy greater connectivity, reduced meeting fatigue, and more inclusive meetings, all while saving time. These features -- including together mode, video filters, live reactions, touchless meeting experiences, and more -- start rolling out in preview today and will be fully available later this year.

"Over the last few months, we have worked with experts across virtual reality, AI, and productivity research to better understand the future of work. These findings have been useful in guiding us to design these new features. Our research has shown that many of us feel less connected since moving to remote work, hence we want to bring a more human element into online meetings. We also want to streamline their experiences across apps and devices, with technology like AI to save time and improve overall well-being, which is of highest importance during this time," said Rosalind Quek, General Manager, Modern Work, Asia Solution Sales at Microsoft Asia.

Enhancing the connection between users and reducing meeting fatigue

• Together mode: Microsoft Teams will now have a new meeting experience that uses AI segmentation technology to digitally place participants in a shared background, making it feel like they are in the same room with everyone else in the meeting or class. The mode makes meetings more engaging and helps users pick up on non-verbal cues that are so important to human interaction. Together Mode with auditorium view is rolling out now and will be generally available in August.
• Dynamic View: Building on the meeting enhancements announced last month, the dynamic view allows users to personalize the view to suit their preferences and needs. This includes the ability to show shared content and specific participants side-by-side.
• Video filters: Before joining a meeting, users can now use filters to adjust lighting levels and soften the focus of the camera to customize their appearances.
• Reflect messaging extension: Employee well-being is critical in ensuring productivity -- this new feature allows managers, leaders, and teachers to easily check in on how their teams or students are feeling through questions in an online poll. This will be available in the coming weeks.

To get started on the preview, users may log in to their personal Microsoft account on the Microsoft Teams mobile app, available for download on the iOS or Android app store. The general availability of the new features is slated for later this year.