Microsoft Teams is rolling out major updates in 2024 to boost productivity and security. Here’s a quick rundown of the key new features:
- AI-powered meeting tools (auto-summaries, noise removal)
- Enhanced teamwork features (Copilot in chats, smart file sharing)
- Tighter security controls for admins
- Improved communication tools (calendar alerts, live translation)
- Mobile and device updates (4K support, faster Windows app)
- New tools for frontline workers
- Webinar and large meeting enhancements
- Teams Phone upgrades
- Easier device setup and management
- User interface improvements
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| AI meeting tools | Automate summaries, reduce noise |
| Copilot in chats | Summarize threads, track decisions |
| Security controls | Better admin oversight |
| Live translation | Support up to 40 languages |
| Frontline tools | Simplify scheduling, task management |
| Webinar features | Improved Q&A, global captions |
| Teams Phone | Shared call history, more routing options |
| Device management | In-app purchasing, auto-updates |
| UI improvements | Faster team creation, multi-account support |
These updates aim to streamline collaboration, tighten security, and make Teams easier to use across devices. IT managers can expect smoother operations and happier teams in 2024.
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AI-Powered Meeting Tools
Microsoft Teams is beefing up its AI game to make your meetings better. Here’s what’s coming:
AI Meeting Summary
Teams Premium users are getting Intelligent Recap. This AI tool:
- Creates automatic meeting summaries
- Highlights key points and action items
- Shows when you were mentioned or joined/left
Why? Because people struggle with meeting follow-up. Over half say next steps are unclear, and many can’t summarize what happened.
To use it:
- Get Teams Premium
- Turn on transcription and recording
Background Noise Removal
In April 2024, Teams is rolling out voice isolation. This AI feature:
- Cuts out annoying background noises (typing, rustling, vacuums)
- Focuses on the speaker’s voice
It’s not just for steady noises – it handles random sounds too.
AI-Made Meeting Backgrounds
Teams is stepping up its virtual background game with AI. We don’t know all the details, but expect:
- More realistic backgrounds
- Maybe custom options based on your meeting or preferences
These AI tools are part of Microsoft’s plan to make online and hybrid meetings less of a headache. They’re aiming to boost efficiency and cut down on frustration for everyone.
New Teamwork Features
Microsoft Teams is rolling out fresh tools for 2024. Here’s what’s coming:
Longer Chats with Copilot
Teams now lets you chat with Copilot in chats and channels. This AI helper can:
- Sum up long threads
- Highlight key decisions
- List open items
Copilot looks at the last 30 days of chat by default. Want specific info? Try asking "What did we decide about the Q1 budget last week?"
Smart File Sharing Suggestions
Sharing files in Teams just got easier. Click "Attach file" and Teams shows you the top 5 relevant files from OneDrive and SharePoint. This:
- Cuts down file search time
- Suggests files based on your chat
- Works in all chats
Custom Group Chat Pictures
Now you can add pictures to group chats. Why? It:
- Helps you spot different team chats fast
- Lets you use your own image or emojis
- Makes finding the right chat quicker
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Copilot in chats | Sums up talks, tracks decisions |
| Smart file suggestions | Speeds up sharing, knows your context |
| Custom chat pictures | Makes chats easy to spot |
These updates aim to make teamwork smoother. They help you follow talks, share files, and organize chats better. The result? Teams work faster in 2024.
Better Security and Control
Microsoft Teams is beefing up its security game for 2024. Here’s what’s new:
Copilot Access Controls
IT admins are getting more power over Copilot:
- Control who uses Copilot before, during, and after meetings
- Manage data access based on user permissions
- Set retention policies for Copilot chat data
Microsoft’s goal? Make sure Copilot only shows what users are allowed to see. No more accidental data leaks between users or groups.
New Presenter Settings
Teams is tightening the reins on presenters. The new DesignatedPresenterRoleMode setting lets admins:
- Pick default presenters
- Limit presenter powers
Your options:
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| EveryoneUserOverride | Anyone can present |
| EveryoneInCompanyUserOverride | Only company folks can present |
| OrganizerOnlyUserOverride | Only the meeting organizer can present |
Microsoft’s advice? Use "OrganizerOnlyUserOverride" for better security. They warn: "The presenter role in a Teams meeting is as powerful as the organizer role."
Custom Apps for Frontline Workers
Teams now lets you tailor apps for different frontline needs:
- Workers get only what they need
- Less app clutter
- Tighter security through limited access
To make it work:
- Use Microsoft Intune for device management
- Set up conditional access policies
- Add Microsoft Defender XDR for extra protection
These updates aim to make Teams safer and easier to manage in 2024. IT managers get better tools to protect data and control meetings.
Easier Communication
Microsoft Teams is rolling out features to make talking and sharing info easier in 2024. These updates help keep you in the loop and connected during meetings and teamwork.
Calendar Alerts in Teams
Teams now puts calendar notifications right in your activity feed. Here’s what that means:
- You’ll know right away about new meetings, changes, or cancellations
- You’ll see when someone forwards a meeting you set up
- You can manage your schedule without switching apps
Want to customize these alerts? Go to Settings > Notifications and activity. You can choose how you want to see each type of notification:
| Alert Type | How You Can See It |
|---|---|
| New meetings | In activity, As a banner, or Turn off |
| Meeting changes | In activity, As a banner, or Turn off |
| Cancelled meetings | In activity, As a banner, or Turn off |
| Forwarded meetings | In activity, As a banner, or Turn off |
More Live Translation Options
Teams is beefing up its live translation for captions in big meetings and town halls:
- Now supports up to 40 spoken languages
- Uses Microsoft Speech Translation and Azure Cognitive Services
- All Teams customers can try it out for now
For town halls, if you have Teams Premium, you can pick up to 10 languages for live translated captions. This helps make meetings more inclusive for global teams.
"We’re excited to work with Microsoft to bring Interprefy’s multilingual meeting know-how to Teams users worldwide." – Oddmund Braaten, CEO at Interprefy
Hide or Show General Channel
You can now hide or show the general channel in Teams, just like any other channel. This lets you:
- Customize your channel list
- Cut down on clutter
- Focus on the conversations that matter
To use it:
- Right-click the general channel
- Pick "Hide" or "Show"
- The channel moves to a hidden section or back to the main list
This small change can help teams keep their communication organized and focused on active channels.
Mobile and Device Updates
Microsoft Teams is getting better on phones and other devices in 2024. Here’s what’s new:
Call Control on Mobile
Teams Phone Mobile users can now:
- Pick where they get alerts for group calls and meeting reminders
- Choose between phone notifications or Teams app alerts
This helps users manage their calls better, especially when using multiple devices.
4K in Teams Rooms
Teams Rooms on Windows now works with 4K screens. This means:
- Sharper video quality
- Easier-to-read shared content
Plus, meeting chat now shows up by default on the main room display.
Faster Teams on Windows
The new Teams app for Windows is a big upgrade:
| What’s Better | How Much Better |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2x faster |
| Memory use | 50% less |
| Disk space | 70% less |
| Install time | 3x faster |
| Join meetings | 2x faster |
"The new Teams desktop client is designed to provide enhanced performance and a streamlined user interface", says Microsoft.
Other cool stuff:
- Switch between work and personal accounts easily
- New look that matches Windows 11
- Use Teams in your car with Android Auto
These updates make Teams work better on all kinds of devices.
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Tools for Frontline Workers
Microsoft Teams is beefing up its features for frontline workers in 2024. Here’s what’s new:
Shifts: Easier Schedule Imports
Frontline managers, rejoice! You can now import Excel schedules into Shifts like a breeze:
- Handle up to 30,000 schedule items at once
- Process large schedules faster
- Catch errors in real-time during import
Inês Gil from Microsoft says: "Frontline workers can now set their availability for specific dates. It’s all about giving them more control over their schedules."
Planner: Supercharged Task Management
The new Microsoft Planner in Teams is all about smarter task management:
1. Targeted assignments
Managers can now pick exactly who gets training and policy tasks.
2. Tasks that repeat
Set up recurring tasks for frontline locations. No more forgetting those regular to-dos.
3. Feedback is a must
Employees have to fill out feedback forms when finishing tasks. It keeps everyone in the loop.
4. Work needs a thumbs-up
Add an approval step for completed work. It’s quality control made easy.
Quicker Sign-Ins
Microsoft’s made it easier for frontline workers to get started:
- Pre-filled info cuts down on mistakes
- New options to jump into work faster
- Better mobile access to Teams
The goal? Get workers up and running ASAP, especially on shared devices.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Excel import | Handles 30,000+ schedule items |
| Task publishing | Create and send tasks from one spot |
| Faster sign-in | Less time wasted, fewer errors |
Webinar and Big Meeting Tools
Microsoft Teams is beefing up its webinar and large meeting features for 2024. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
Q&A Gets a Makeover
Teams is revamping how questions work in big events:
- Ask questions right when you join (even before kickoff)
- Questions pop up in their own panel
- Moderators can screen questions before they go live
- Key questions get pinned to the top
One Teams user put it this way: "Our company-wide meetings have 50% less chat chaos thanks to the new Q&A setup."
Captions Go Global
Teams is expanding its language game for live captions:
| What’s New | The Scoop |
|---|---|
| Spoken languages | 13 options (English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and more) |
| Translation languages | 50+ choices (from Afrikaans to Yucatec Maya) |
| Setting it up | Organizers pick languages when scheduling |
| After the event | Transcripts in all chosen languages |
This upgrade is a game-changer for global teams. One multinational saw a 30% jump in meeting engagement after turning on multi-language captions.
Tips for making the most of these features:
1. Nailing Q&A:
- Set up the Q&A app before your webinar
- Get moderators ready to tackle questions
- Use "Post as anonymous" for touchy subjects
2. Rocking live captions:
- Test captions with different speakers
- Remind presenters to speak clearly and not too fast
- Use good mics for better caption accuracy
Teams Phone Changes
Microsoft Teams Phone is getting some upgrades in 2024. Here’s what’s new:
Shared Call History
By June 2024, Teams will have shared call history. This helps people who manage calls for others.
What it does:
- Shows past calls, including missed ones
- Lets delegators and delegates see shared line call records
- Tracks who made or answered calls
- Gives detailed event history
It’s great for executive assistants and team leads. They can:
- Return important calls quickly
- Keep track of key contact communications
- Make sure no critical calls are missed
How to use it:
- Go to Calls > History in Teams
- Find shared line records
- Use More actions > Call back to return calls
New Incoming Call Options
Teams Phone is adding more ways to handle incoming calls:
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Call Forwarding | Send calls to others or voicemail |
| Simultaneous Ring | Ring multiple devices at once |
| Presence-Based Routing | Manage calls based on Teams status |
These give users more control. For example:
- Set up forwarding when you’re out
- Ring desk and mobile phones together
- Block non-urgent calls in "Do Not Disturb" mode
To set up call forwarding:
- Click your picture in Teams
- Pick "Change call forwarding"
- Choose where to forward (voicemail, number, or contact)
- Set when to apply (always or work hours only)
Device Setup and Management
Microsoft Teams is making life easier for IT admins and users in 2024. Here’s what’s new:
Buy Devices in Teams
Starting February 2024, US and Canadian businesses can buy Teams devices right in the app. No need to shop around elsewhere.
| What’s New | Why It’s Cool |
|---|---|
| In-app store | Buy without leaving Teams |
| Only certified devices | They’ll work, guaranteed |
| Competitive prices | Might save you some cash |
| Easy returns | Changed your mind? No problem |
You’ll find headsets, cameras, and phones for personal or shared use. For now, it’s just on desktop and web versions of Teams.
Auto-Updates for Teams Rooms
Teams Rooms are getting smarter:
- The Teams app updates itself
- New devices keep Windows fresh
- Less work for IT folks
Setting up Teams Rooms on Windows? It used to take days. Now? Under an hour. Thank Windows Autopilot and Autologin for that.
New Approved Devices
More Teams-certified gear is coming:
- Headsets
- Earbuds
- Cameras
Check out the Crestron Room Scheduling Touch Screen. It’s made for Teams and sets up in a snap.
Need help picking a device? The new Device Selection Assistant has your back. It looks at your company size, what you need, what you like, and your budget to suggest the perfect fit.
These changes make Teams work better for everyone. Users get great devices, and IT admins get an easier job.
Easier to Use Teams
Microsoft Teams is getting a facelift in 2024. Here’s how it’ll make your workday smoother:
Quicker Team and Channel Setup
Starting January, you’ll spot a new + button for fast team creation. What’s changed?
- Teams are private by default
- Setup is simpler
- Templates and groups are still there if you need them
You’ll spend less time setting up and more time actually working together.
Sign In to Multiple Accounts
Got work and personal accounts? No problem. Now you can sign in to different accounts at once. No more logging out and back in just to switch roles.
See Chat in Teams Rooms
Meeting room chats are getting an upgrade. Chat will now pop up automatically in Teams Rooms.
| What’s New | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Chat shows up by default | Everyone’s in the loop |
| All attendees can see it | More people join in |
| Works on all devices | Same experience everywhere |
These updates make Teams more user-friendly across devices. Microsoft’s tackling the annoying bits of team collaboration, making it easier for you to get stuff done.
Conclusion
Microsoft Teams is gearing up for some big changes in 2024. These updates are all about making work easier for IT managers and their teams. Here’s what’s coming:
- AI that actually helps
Teams is adding Copilot, an AI assistant that can:
- Write messages for you
- Summarize long meetings
- Give you real-time info during calls
- Tighter security
IT admins are getting more control:
- Decide who uses Copilot in meetings
- Manage who sees recordings and transcripts
- Smoother teamwork
New features to keep everyone on the same page:
- Calendar alerts in Teams
- More languages for live translation
- Option to hide the general channel
- Frontline worker boost
Making life easier for workers on the go:
- Better schedule importing
- New task management tools
- Faster logins
| What’s New | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| AI assistant | Saves time, improves communication |
| Security upgrades | Protects sensitive info |
| Teamwork tools | Breaks down language barriers |
| Frontline features | Simplifies scheduling and tasks |
Bottom line: Teams is becoming a one-stop shop for work in 2024. These updates show Microsoft is serious about making Teams the go-to tool for getting stuff done.
FAQs
What’s new in the latest Teams?
Microsoft’s revamped Teams desktop client, coming in 2024, is all about speed and user-friendliness. Here’s the scoop:
- It’s FAST. We’re talking twice as quick, using half the memory.
- You’ll blink and it’s loaded. Say goodbye to those long waits.
- Switching? Easy. Just flip a switch in your old Teams. Your stuff comes with you.
As of October 5, 2023, Windows and Mac users can get their hands on this speedster. It’s Microsoft’s way of saying, "We hear you, and we’re making Teams better."
| What’s Changed | How Much Better |
|---|---|
| Speed | 2x faster |
| Memory | Half used |
| Who can use it | Windows & Mac folks |
| Your data | Comes along for the ride |
Bottom line: Microsoft’s cooking up a Teams that won’t slow you down. It’s all about getting more done, with less fuss.