Microsoft continues to roll out features to its Teams 2.0 client, with a series of updates set to roll out in the coming months. These updates, as detailed in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, aim to improve user experience, efficiency, and privacy across the platform.
Streamlining Collaborative Endeavors with Inbuilt Workflows
One of the major updates includes the ability for users to create and configure workflows directly within Teams chats, especially group chats. This feature, set for release in November, is expected to bolster collaborative efforts in workplace settings. By allowing colleagues to collaborate directly within their group chats, Microsoft hopes to enhance teamwork efficiency and communication.
Revamping the “Together Mode”
Microsoft Teams Together Mode is also undergoing significant improvements. Originally designed to emulate a shared meeting environment during remote work, the new layout will now display the section under shared content. This change allows users to concurrently view shared content while in “Together Mode”, providing a more comprehensive view of virtual meetings. Additionally, the improved mode will incorporate features like raised hands, reactions, and name labels, enhancing engagement during team meetings. This revamped “Together Mode” is scheduled for a December release.
Introducing the Private Line Feature
In addition to the above updates, Microsoft Teams is also set to launch a private line feature. This tool, available to Desktop users in November, enables users to add a private number exclusive to a select group of users. This unique number allows direct calls to the original user, bypassing delegates, admins, or assistants. This development is seen as a step towards ensuring that highly sensitive communications remain private within an organization. While the feature currently only supports incoming calls, there's a notable anticipation for mobile support in the future.
Microsoft has confirmed that these updates, including the enhanced “Together Mode” and the private line feature, will be available globally for desktop platforms. The alignment of these updates showcases Microsoft's commitment to the continuous improvement and innovation within its product suite. As Teams 2.0 emerges as the new desktop client, with features like Copilot and a simplified compose box already in place, these upcoming updates further highlight how
