Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Cameo feature in PowerPoint for both Windows and Mac platforms. This update comes after the initial addition of the Cameo feature to PowerPoint in 2022, which allowed users to integrate their camera feed into their presentations.
Rolly Seth, a Product Manager on the PowerPoint team, revealed the changes have come following feedback from users:
“Thanks to many of you who have been using cameo in PowerPoint for Windows and Mac, and have shared your feedback, we acted on some of your suggestions.” Among the changes, users can now toggle the camera preview, change the camera source in Slide Show View or Presenter View mode, and apply a cohesive theme to their presentations using new cameo designs. Seth added, “With these updates, you can now insert cameo into all your slides with a single click and apply a personalized cameo style to all your slides.”
Users can easily insert the Cameo feature into all slides simultaneously by navigating to Insert > Cameo > All Slides. This action will display a default circle cameo on every slide. Additionally, users can personalize the cameo thumbnail on all slides by inserting a single cameo on one slide and then modifying its format. Once the cameo is formatted, users can play the slide show and access the Slide Show toolbar, which offers options to turn the camera on or off and select the desired camera source.
Microsoft has highlighted a few limitations, such as potential conflicts if the camera is being used by another application. In such cases, users are advised to select a different camera or disable the camera for the conflicting app. The new enhancements are currently available for Microsoft 365 Insiders using Windows 11 Version 2307 (Build 16731.10000) or later and Mac Version 16.76 (Build 23081101) or later. There hasn't been any confirmation regarding when these features will be available to the broader PowerPoint user base.
Cameo Feature on PowerPoint Recording Studio
Cameo first made its debut on PowerPoint Live for Microsoft Teams last July before landing on the full PowerPoint experience later on. It is integrated into the Recording Studio tool on Microsoft's presentation app.
If you are unfamiliar with the Recording Studio, it is the place on PowerPoint where users can create, edit, and share videos of their presentations. Microsoft says Cameo allows users to use the camera to “make the video recording of your presentation even more personal and create an immersive storytelling experience.”
It is possible to personalize the camera feed appearance by adding custom shapes, styles, sizes, and more. As well as allowing video feed integration into presentations, users will also be able to choose a layout and where the video appears on the slides.
