Microsoft will start allowing users without an internet connection and those with
low bandwidth connectivity to read chat messages on its remote working platform Teams, making it easier for users to continue working no matter where they are.
The announcement is part of a wider upgrade programme aimed at enhancing user experience as more and more organisations, employees and students across the globe shift to remote working and learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of this upgrade programme, Teams is also introducing four new features which include:
Real-time noise suppression capabilities to minimize distracting background noise, allowing participants to hear what is being said. In large meetings, it is also sometimes difficult for remote participants to chime in when they have something to say.
The newly introduced raise hand feature lets anyone in the meeting send a visual signal that they have something to say.
Teams will soon enable users to pop out chats into a separate window to help them streamline their workflow and move more easily between ongoing conversations. They are also expanding the Teams devices ecosystem, with new devices certified for Teams. The Yealink VC210, now generally available, is the first collaboration bar certified for Teams, and brings together speakers, microphone, camera and the Teams app to deliver a meeting experience for smaller conference rooms that is simple to install and
easy to manage.
Also introduced is the new Bookings app in Teams which makes it easy to schedule, manage and conduct virtual appointments for situations like healthcare patient consults, client meetings, or job candidate interviews.
