Microsoft has unveiled a preview release of a faster, redesigned version of its communication and collaboration software, Microsoft Teams. The new Teams client is said to be twice as fast and to consume 50% less memory and up to 70% less disk space compared to the current version. It will also launch three times faster, allowing users to switch between chats and channels up to 1.7 times faster than the previous app. Microsoft plans to make the app generally available in June 2023, after it has ironed out issues based on customer feedback received during the preview stage.
Microsoft App Empowers AI:
The new app is built on a foundation of speed, performance, flexibility, and intelligence, said Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft. He added that the enhancements would provide the foundation for new AI-powered experiences, such as Copilot for Microsoft Teams. The app includes support for Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that will help users get up to speed before joining a meeting and help them answer questions in real time while chatting with their colleagues.
Accessing Teams Preview Release:
Those in the public preview program can gain access to the new Teams via the “Try the new Teams” toggle. If you’re in the Targeted Release program, you’ll get access to the Teams preview release starting in mid-April 2023. Admins will have the option to opt-in to the Teams preview program for users in production via the Teams update management policy, which will allow selecting the users who will see the preview toggle to gain access to the new Teams.
The new Teams initially support Windows Intel, AMD, and ARM platforms and will be coming for all major platforms including Web, native M1, M2 & Intel Macs, and VDI, said Sumi Singh, Corporate Vice President for Teams Engineering. Microsoft Teams has seen a massive influx of users since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the move to remote working, with the platform now being used by 280 million each month.
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