New Microsoft Teams Features, Claimed To Beat Zoom

Microsoft Teams video conferencing view (Microsoft doc)

JAKARTA - Until now, the activities of working and studying from home or commonly known as work from home (WFH) are still being carried out, as a result of the corona virus pandemic. This of course makes technology companies continue to innovate, one of which is Microsoft.

Launching CNET, Friday, July 10, Microsoft with its video conference service Microsoft Teams launched a new feature that is claimed not to be owned by anyone, including its competitors, Zoom. Dubbed Together Mode, this new feature allows participants in the display screen to be arranged as if they were sitting side by side as if they were in an auditorium.

Together Mode helps participants focus on the face and body language of the other person, which certainly makes it easier to use sign and non-verbal language that is often lost during video conferences.

Participants can also choose from a variety of views, such as sitting in the auditorium or at a conference table. It will also make the video meeting feel more like a real meeting.

To realize the Together Mode feature, Microsoft uses AI segmentation technology to make participants feel like they are sitting in the same room as other people. This new feature will be available to all users in August.

The new look of Microsoft Teams (Microsoft)

Another big feature Microsoft Teams has prepared is a new dynamic view, which will allow users to share content side by side with others in video calls. Apart from that, there are also video filters and live reactions with emojis, live transcripts, auto replies and chat bubbles. Microsoft is also bringing Cortana integration to the mobile version of Teams.

Microsoft Teams will also soon support video calls for up to 1,000 people, and up to 20,000 for "View Only" meetings. Microsoft also wants to develop its platform by presenting more interactions in one cloud-based video conference.

React during a meeting using emojis that are visible for all participants. Can we get a big round of applause for that? 👏👏👏Read more: https://t.co/EavrxRQ81o pic.twitter.com/BeR51SajEw

- Microsoft Teams (@MicrosoftTeams) July 9, 2020

The company based in Redmond, Washington, (USA) has indeed received good feedback from the public and its users during the COVID-19 pandemic. This feedback from customers drives the development team to increase Microsoft Teams productivity.

Of course Teams will be a tough opponent for competitors such as Google Meet and Zoom. What's more, Microsoft claims all new (and upcoming) features are designed to make meetings feel natural, more inclusive and interesting.