What’s New in Microsoft Teams – February 2021

As we all know, a lot can happen in a month. These updates and new applications are Microsoft’s way of providing better work experiences with these solutions. Here’s what’s new in Microsoft Teams you may have missed this month…

Skype for business to retire in six months

Although Skype for Business Online isn’t new in Microsoft Teams, it won’t be available after July 31. Microsoft will focus “to help all of our customers upgrade to Microsoft Teams and enable more ways to come together and get things done.”

Microsoft Viva

This employee experience platform (EXP) is new in Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps, designed specifically for employees working in this digital age. Microsoft Viva consists of four modules that provide employees with the tools for successful communication, resources for comprehensive learning, and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Viva Connections is like your digital village for your employees. From town halls for businesses and opportunities for smaller groups and communities to internal communications like company news, policies, and benefits, it’s a one-stop-shop hub for your employees.

Viva Learning is the module hub for possibilities such as internal training for new employees, training on external learning management systems and much more. Viva learning is intended for extensive training and product knowledge, while Viva Topics is intended for gaining knowledge and a better understanding of the company language. Viva Topics is like an embedded encyclopedia in Microsoft Viva: hover over a sentence or acronym you’re not sure about, and something similar to an information card appears to give you more information about what it is, why it’s important, and so on.

Viva Insights aims to bring back that work-life balance, so many employees have admitted to blurring the lines over the past year. From tools for individuals (such as making sure you pause regularly), managers and business leaders (such as looking at work patterns and wellbeing opportunities), Viva Insights is that connection between data about how people work and how people feel.

Pop-out apps and tabs

Work smarter, not harder, right? So if you constantly switch between chats, meetings, personal apps, and tabs one by one, that’s a lot of time wasting. Fortunately, you can now use these multi-windows to stay focused – no more wasting time switching from window to window to reference notes or other communication! With this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to save your most visited places so you can easily access them.

Improved audio in Microsoft Teams

“In order to truly serve our customers, we know that they need to be able to communicate and collaborate on the go, across all device types, across every network and in any environment.” That’s why they partner with Satin to ensure high-quality audio, with low kbps (so as not to stretch your Wi-Fi that much) without compromising overall audio quality. While it’s already used across Teams and Skype conversations with two parties, it’s expected to be integrated into Teams meetings soon.

Source: excelandflourish