A few weeks ago we shared how Microsoft Teams was evolving. These changes occurred just in time for the work-from-home move necessitated by the COVID 19 crisis. Enhanced features allowing for larger meetings and more organized interaction were perfectly suited for companies learning to make the transition to a remote workforce.
Over the last few weeks, Microsoft has further added to the new features. These Microsoft Teams updates are available to anyone working in Microsoft 365 and with the current version of Teams. The additional functionality will be rolled out in June.
According to the Microsoft announcement, these new features include:
- Capability to view their team calls and staff meetings in a separate window from the main client. Meeting notes will still only launch to the main client.
- Call control features located at the top of the meeting window, not blocking the content being shared (these controls include mute, video, chat and leave)
- Features recently announced in April such as 3×3 video, raise hands, and custom backgrounds are included
The new features will roll out by default, however they will be set to OFF. Users will have the option to turn on the new features in General Settings. In the future, the features will be enabled, but initially Microsoft is allowing users time to adjust to all of the new features gradually.
Users will be notified through the Message Center according to the following approximate timeline. (timeframes may shift).
- June – New features available, can be enabled through settings
- July – Features enabled by default, users can disable manually
- August – Features enabled by default, user controls disabledFuture Features of Note:
- Support for full screen content viewing
- Support for Invision Freehand Whiteboard
Now is a great time for companies to provide training for their users so that you don’t spend valuable team time setting up a call, and meetings and calls are not disrupted.
If you need support for your remote workforce, whether regarding Microsoft Teams updates or VoIP installations, we are here to help. Alliance IT provides managed IT support services for Sarasota and Bradenton area companies. Call us today.
