A New Microsoft Teams Update Could Make All the Difference in Getting Your Boss to Notice You

Microsoft Teams, a cornerstone of modern workplace communication, has recently rolled out a new update that promises to enhance user interaction and engagement significantly. The latest feature expansion allows reactions in larger meetings, specifically designed for ‘town halls’ or similar large-scale virtual gatherings. Previously, reactions were limited to smaller chats, but this update broadens the scope, making it possible for participants to express their sentiments during more extensive meetings. This feature includes a range of reactions such as like, love, laughter, surprise, and sad face, providing a more nuanced way for attendees to interact without interrupting the flow of the meeting.

The introduction of reactions in larger meetings is not just a superficial enhancement; it has practical implications for how employees can communicate and be noticed by their superiors. In a virtual meeting setting, where face-to-face interaction is minimal, using the appropriate reaction at the right moment can make a significant impression. For instance, showing enthusiasm with a ‘love’ reaction during a presentation or expressing agreement with a ‘like’ can help employees stand out. This subtle yet powerful tool can be a game-changer for those looking to make their presence felt in large virtual gatherings.

However, it’s important to note that this feature is currently available only for premium users of Microsoft Teams. The premium subscription, which costs $7 or £5.80 per user per month, offers a suite of AI-powered features designed to streamline and enhance the meeting experience. One of the standout features is the use of GPT-3 AI to automate various tasks related to meetings, such as generating summaries and action items. This integration of advanced AI capabilities underscores Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve workplace productivity.

The reactions feature will appear as a continuous stream on the side of the screen, allowing participants to see the collective sentiment of the group in real-time. This visual feedback can be invaluable for presenters, providing immediate insights into how their message is being received. It also fosters a more interactive and engaging meeting environment, encouraging more active participation from attendees. The feature was first reported in February 2024 and has now begun rolling out to premium users, marking a significant milestone in Microsoft Teams’ ongoing evolution.

In addition to the reactions feature, Microsoft Teams has made several other recent tweaks to its reactions and emojis. Users can now add and share custom emojis and reactions within their chats, offering even more ways to personalize their communication. These updates are part of a broader effort to make Microsoft Teams a more versatile and user-friendly platform. The emoji and reaction menus are accessible within the user’s tenant, ensuring that these new features are easy to find and use.

Customization options in Microsoft Teams extend beyond emojis and reactions. Users can also create virtual avatars, apply visual effects, and use background blurring during calls. These features allow for a more personalized and polished virtual presence, which can be particularly useful in professional settings. The ability to tailor one’s virtual appearance and reactions can help create a more engaging and effective communication experience, making Microsoft Teams an indispensable tool for modern workplaces.

The deputy editor at TechRadar Pro, Mike Moore, has highlighted these updates as part of a broader trend towards enhancing user interaction and engagement in digital communication platforms. With a background in tech journalism, Moore brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the evolving landscape of workplace technology. His coverage of Microsoft Teams’ updates provides valuable context and analysis, helping users understand the potential impact of these new features on their daily workflows.

Beyond the reactions feature, Microsoft Teams continues to offer a robust set of tools for developers. As a platform company at its core, Microsoft has built Teams into a powerful hub for application development and integration. Developers can leverage various extension points to support different application types and services, making Teams a versatile interface for productivity tools. By integrating Teams into their apps, developers can help users avoid context-shifting and trigger tasks directly from chat, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.

Build 2024 introduced several new developer features for Teams, including improved user interface options and new ways to expose applications to users. These enhancements make it easier for developers to create seamless and intuitive experiences within Teams. The platform offers multiple ways to link to code, including chatbots, interactive features, adaptive cards, and webhooks. Tabs provide quick embedding of web content within Teams, allowing for both static and dynamic interactions with chats or formal channels.

One of the most notable additions is Stageview, a new way to deliver complex applications within Teams. Stageview uses multiple windows to isolate tasks from chats and dashboards, providing a focused workspace for specific activities. This feature can be launched from chats or as a standalone Teams app, offering flexibility in how users engage with it. The collaborative stageview includes a panel for content and a chat sidebar, facilitating real-time collaboration and discussion. Stageviews can also be invoked using adaptive cards or deep links, making them highly adaptable to different use cases.

Another recent update to Microsoft Teams is the addition of a ‘share to Teams’ control, which allows users to share content within meetings easily. This feature simplifies the process of distributing information and resources during virtual gatherings, enhancing collaboration and communication. Alongside these updates, Teams continues to support developers with tools such as a JavaScript library, support for mermaid diagrams, and the ability to share code blocks. These tools empower developers to create rich, interactive experiences within the Teams platform.

The August 2024 update for Microsoft Teams was discussed in detail by UC Today’s host Tom Wright and special guest Tom Arbuthnot from Empowering.Cloud. Joined by a panel of experienced Teams experts, they delved into the latest news and announcements in the Teams ecosystem. The episode covered the most popular headlines and provided valuable insights and analysis on the updates. One of the major topics was the introduction of the reactions feature for larger meetings, which the panelists agreed would have a significant impact on user engagement and interaction.

Tom Arbuthnot, a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Master, shared his perspectives on the new features and changes. As the founder and principal at Empowering.Cloud and a solutions director at Pure IP, Arbuthnot brings a deep understanding of the industry and its developments. He regularly shares his insights through various platforms, including his blog, the UC Today Microsoft Teams podcast, and an email list. Arbuthnot’s expertise and the panel’s diverse perspectives provided a comprehensive overview of the latest Teams updates and their implications for businesses and organizations.