From new layouts to guided meditation exercises, Microsoft Teams, Viva get updates for hybrid work mode

The options of Entrance Row are set to be rolled out over the yr.

Microsoft Groups: Microsoft is bringing an replace to its video conferencing answer Groups aimed toward making hybrid work conferences extra seamless. Groups conferences and Microsoft Groups Rooms are each being up to date, and Groups Rooms will get Entrance Row, the identify that Redmond has given to an immersive new format for the conferences. With this, the intention is to make the interplay extra pure and to make the connection between in-room and distant members stronger. In Entrance Row, the video gallery can be positioned on the backside of the display screen in order that the distant members are at face-level of the in-room members – very similar to what would occur throughout a bodily, non-hybrid assembly.

Not solely that, however below this format, Microsoft has determined to encompass the primary content material of the assembly with different data associated to the assembly, be it the agenda of the convention, or the notes, whereas additionally clearly displaying the assembly chat. New video layouts are additionally being introduced in for when no content material is being shared throughout the assembly, and this fall, Groups can also be set to get the flexibility to pin a number of video streams. The options of Entrance Row are set to be rolled out over the yr.

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Microsoft has additionally partnered with Jabra, Logitech, Poly and Neat, which is the most recent companion tech large has for Groups-related gadgets, are going to assist Redmond present a clearer view of each in-room participant throughout the assembly to assist the distant members get a greater video stream. Not solely that, however the clever audio system of Groups would now additionally use the voice recognition know-how of the tech large to establish who among the many in-room members is talking in order that their identify will be utilized to the assembly transcript.

The corporate has additionally determined to combine into Groups its Viva, which is Microsoft’s built-in worker expertise platform.

Furthermore, by the top of the month, Redmond would add just a few guided meditation workout routines to Viva, for which it has collaborated with Headspace. With this, the corporate hopes that staff would be capable of calm down every time they’re feeling overwhelmed or harassed, or when they should unwind after the day’s work.

It is usually including a spotlight mode to Viva, in order that throughout the scheduled each day focus time of the worker, timers and focus music will help the employee whereas additionally offering deliberate breaks in between. This yr itself, Viva would additionally be capable of present customers with the choice of configuring quiet time, throughout which Outlook and Groups notifications can be silenced.