What’s New in Microsoft Teams - February 2021
If you’ve been following us on social media, you’ve seen the climbing statistics of just how much Microsoft has been a necessity for business growth, sustainability, and organization. As we all know, a lot can happen in one month. These updates and new applications are Microsoft’s way of offering better work experiences with these solutions. Here’s what’s new in Microsoft Teams that you might have missed this month...
Skype for Business Retires in 6 Months
Even though Skype for Business Online is not what’s new in Microsoft Teams, it will no longer be available after July 31st. Microsoft will be focusing “on helping each of our customers upgrade to Microsoft Teams and enabling more ways to come together and get things done.”
Microsoft Viva
This EXP (employee experience platform) is new in Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps, designed specifically for employees working in this digital age. Microsoft Viva is made of four modules that gives employees the tools for successful communication, resources for extended learning, and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Viva Connections is like your digital village for your employees. From company town halls and opportunities for smaller groups and communities, to internal communications like company news, polities and benefits, it’s a one-stop-shop hub for your employees.
Viva Learning is the module hub for opportunities like internal training for new hires, training on external learning-management systems, and much more. Viva learning is for extended education and product knowledge while Viva Topics is for gaining knowledge and a better understanding of company language. Viva Topics is like an embedded encyclopedia throughout Microsoft Viva- just hover over a phrase or acronym you’re not sure about, and something similar to an informational card pops up to give you more information on what it is, why it’s important, etc.
Viva Insights is to bring back that work-life balance so many employees have confessed they’ve blurred the lines in this past year. From tools for individuals (like making sure to take regular breaks), to managers and company leaders (like looking at work patterns and wellbeing opportunities), Viva Insights is that connection between data on how people work, and how people feel.
Pop Out Apps & Tabs
Work smarter, not harder, right? So, if you’re constantly switching between chats, meetings, personal apps, and tabs one by one, that’s a lot of wasted time. Thankfully, you can now use these multi-windows to stay focused— no more wasting time switching from window to window to reference notes or other communications! Learn how to save your most-visited places for easy reference with this step-by-step tutorial.
Improved Audio in Microsoft Teams
“To truly serve our customers, we know they need to be able to communicate and collaborate on the go, on all device types, over any network, in every environment.” That’s why they’ve teamed up with Satin to ensure high-quality audio, with a low kbps (to not stretch your WiFi so much) without compromising overall audio quality. Although it’s already being used all over Teams and Skype two-party calls, it’s expected to integrate into Teams meetings shortly.
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