Microsoft now makes group chats visible in Microsoft Teams Rooms

Microsoft is working on a new update to its video conferencing software that will allow users to see chat messages and video call participants at the same time.

In June 2021, the software giant added chat bubbles to its online collaboration tool so that users wouldn’t miss private messages sent during a video call. Just like in WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, these chat bubbles display a floating notification on your screen and, according to Microsoft, also make “chat more central to the conversation”.

While the introduction of chat bubbles allowed Teams users to see their private messages during meetings, Microsoft now plans to make them available for group chats, so everyone can stay informed about the conversations that are happening over text and happening at the same time. in a video call.

Chat bubbles during Teams meetings

According to a new post on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap , Microsoft plans to add a new feature to Teams that will allow anyone to view chats sent during a meeting on the front of the room display in a Teams room.

For those unfamiliar, Microsoft Teams Rooms is a dedicated video conferencing hardware and software solution that was previously called Skype Rooms. With a Teams Rooms display set up in a meeting or conference room, personal participants can all focus on one screen in the front of a room instead of staring at their laptops.

Now, although with chat bubbles on a Teams Room screen, those working from home can add to the conversation taking place in a conference room, as attendees can see their messages in the chat alongside a meeting video feed.

This new feature will roll out in April next year and is likely to be a welcome addition for organizations that have implemented hybrid work policies.

Source: tech radar