Microsoft has launched its Kaizala app on Windows 10, in a case of better late than never. The service was announced last February and launched in April on iOS and Android. It finally comes to Microsoft’s own platform, although even now it is only in preview.
That means its release is limited and not everyone can download it. That’s obviously a shame, but at least Microsoft is now listing it in the Windows Store. Moreover, some users will be able to test the service and provide feedback to the company ahead of a full launch.
If you are unfamiliar with Kaizala, it is a video/chat service created by Microsoft Garage. Indeed, the service is a prime example of the Garage in action. The division allows Microsoft employees to collaborate on projects that would not be created under the company’s normal services. Microsoft already has Skype and to a lesser extent Teams, so Kaizala fits the side-project mould.
Kaizala is enterprise focused and provides a secure platform for business chat. Users can use Kaizala Preview to engage in one on one chats or group chats with teams. It is also possible to merge groups to create larger communities across an organization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hWirMmaUpg
Kaizala Features
Aside from providing chat tools, the app also gives users the ability to make Actions. For example, it is possible to create a Poll, Job, or Survey within a chat. Responses to these Actions are presented in an easy to understand compilation.
The Actions available in the preview are as follows:
- Announcement – Make key announcements or share updates
- Job – Assign jobs to people and track completion status
- Let’s Meet – Invite people to meetings and confirm their availability status
- Photo with Location – Share a picture with your current location
- Quick Poll – Ask a question and get people’s opinion
- Request Location – Request people to share their location
- Share Location – Share your location with others
- Survey – Ask a series of questions and get people’s opinions
“Therefore, Kaizala Preview makes you more productive instantly,” Microsoft says in the app description. “All you need is a 2G Internet connection & a smartphone. Stay tuned for more Kaizala Actions in our upcoming releases.”
The ability to work under 2G network speeds is a differentiator against Skype. It means customers with low bandwidth connectivity can use Kaizala for enterprise chat. Incidentally, Microsoft launched Skype Lite yesterday. The new service is a speedier and lighter version of Skype, which also works on 2G connectivity. However, the app is only available in India.
