Microsoft has just released a new hit for Zoom number one, after releasing many wonderful features and updates that will help make working from home easier. One of the most important updates launched this week is a number of improvements to Teams on both iPhones and Android smartphones.
Microsoft has just released a new hit for number one rival Zoom after dropping a bump superb new … [+]
The impetus for mobile Teams users comes through enhancements to the apps, including the ability to upload images to your gallery and search in chats and channels on Android. Meanwhile, the Android app also lets people generate links for free meetings to send to others who do not have a Teams account, and adds a new Safe Mode setting.
For those using Teams on an iPhone, Microsoft has upgraded the app to version 2.0.19 with a major improvement – the ability to view eight participants (2×4) simultaneously on an iPhone and nine (3×3) on an iPad via a new impetus for the raster display. At the same time, the iOS Teams update shows users a calendar view of upcoming meetings that people can join, edit or share with their contacts.
The Teams iOS app also adds a new setting to reduce the amount of data Teams use when video is on – useful when people are on the go. Interestingly, Microsoft has also confirmed that Cortana voice help has been made available on iOS for US Teams users, and this will be rolled out gradually.
Microsoft Teams updates to try to beat Zoom
The improvements to the grid view come on the heels of a recent new update from Microsoft Teams that brings it on par with Zoom by allowing you to see up to 49 people in conversation.
This week, Microsoft also confirmed on its UserVoice forum that it has added a feature that many people have asked for – the ability to customize your link on the left, allowing you to reset and pin and unpin your apps.
Another major Teams update came earlier in August in the form of a new offering called Advanced Communications, which could beat Microsoft Zoom with the strength of its other offerings to the business market. As part of this month’s Team Update, people can now have mega-meetings of up to 20,000 participants in ‘view only’ – and interactive meetings of up to 1,000.
Other major updates to Teams in the last few months include the opportunity to change your backgrounds. Starting in June this year, Teams will offer the opportunity to use your own logo as an image as a background, or to use one of the multiple custom backgrounds Microsoft has created.
Not too outdated, Zoom has focused on features and updates of late. Following a brief hiatus due to security priorities, Zoom also launched a load of new features this month, including the highly sought after noise nuisance.
Zoom is of course very functional, but despite its efforts, many are still concerned about its safety. Teams pack it in, in some cases getting better in the business market because of the integrated offering. Now that it’s also spread over mobile, teams can cement their place as probably the most substantial Zoom alternative.
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