At this year's Enterprise Connect, Microsoft presented a number of updates related to meetings and voice services.
Before delving into the new features and updates on meetings and calls, Nicole Herskowitz, General Manager of Microsoft Teams, briefly talked about hybrid work and the challenges it comes with. For companies to thrive in the future, both remote and in-person teams need to have an equal footing when it comes to communication and collaboration.
Herskowitz mentioned three major areas that require a digital transformation in the hybrid world:
- 1:1 meetings and calls
- Group meetings
- Events
"Hybrid meetings are a cornerstone for building a thriving work culture. They need to be inclusive for both in-person and remote attendees."
Video Updates
Earlier this year, MS Teams added new features like the front row, a refreshed microsoft whiteboard, and redesigned Teams experience on Surface hub.
Herskowitz introduced a new category of intelligent cameras with three unique technologies:
- AI-powered speaker-tracking - In-room cameras use audio, facial movements, and gestures to detect who is speaking and then zoom in for a closer frame
- Multiple video streams support - This feature allows users in the room to be shown in their own video feed
- People recognition - Identifies and displays the names of enrolled users on the gallery view and meeting roster.
Rolling out as updates over the course of next year, these features will be made available to OEMs such as Jabra, Neat, Poly, and Yealink in the coming months.
Voice and Phone Updates
On the Teams Phone front, an integration of PSTN and voice calling will allow for spontaneous internal communication. According to Herskowitz, there are nearly 80 million monthly active Teams Phone users and over 180 countries relying on Teams Phone to stay connected.