Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and others, are competing aggressively to capture the ever-growing remote working and collaboration space. Microsoft has confirmed multiple features that are now part of the Teams platform.
From a new Audio Codec to active Noise Suppression, and from a Hi-Fi Music Mode to AI Video Optimization, Microsoft Teams is receiving several new features. These new functions and benefits are, however, reserved only for the premium or paid subscription of Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams premium subscription for businesses promises better audio with lesser noise:
In a blog post, Microsoft expanded on the ongoing improvements to Teams audio and video quality. From user-facing features and settings to cutting-edge codecs and AI. The company claims it aims to achieve new levels of clarity and reliability.
Microsoft Teams relies heavily on Azure Intelligent Cloud and Intelligent Edge for operations and data. Both the platforms offer massive AI-based technologies that dynamically manage and optimize enterprise-grade voice and video over variable bandwidth environments.
After Teams background noise suppression launched, we saw a 31% decline in comments about background noise distractions. #inclusion #diversity #culture https://t.co/yCaUfEtx0g
— Michael Vermeersch (@miwon) October 28, 2021
Microsoft assures Teams can function reliably well on Wi-Fi as well as cellular networks. Moving ahead, the platform will reportedly benefit from a new Codec for Audio and Video.
The Satin Audio Codec promises to maintain, and even enhance, the call quality even during a sudden surge of users, and unreliable connectivity. Microsoft claims calls can continue with bitrate as low as 7kbps. The company assures, with the new Codec, meetings can sound natural and clear even when the network has very low bandwidth.
How the Satin Codec Makes Teams Music Mode Work https://t.co/eHP7FWenbW #MicrosoftTeams
— AllAboutOffice365 (@AllOffice365) August 26, 2021
In addition to improving audio quality, Microsoft has also been working on reducing background or ambient noise. Teams background noise suppression uses deep neural networks to filter out noise.
Some of the common annoyances during digital calls, such as barking dogs, garbage trucks, and unexpected leaf blowers should not rise over the speaker’s voice and end up stealing focus.
New Hi-Fi Music Mode, cross-platform call sharing, and other features for Teams:
Microsoft is promising a high-fidelity experience for music as well that allows users to optimize sound for music, performances, and media. This strongly suggests Microsoft could be trying to make Teams a preferred platform for virtual concerts.
The new endpoint transfer capability allows Teams users to seamlessly move their calls between different devices. Microsoft assures there won’t be any interruption in call service or quality.
Great to see a ton of new features landing to help improve the call and meeting experiences in Microsoft Teams.
"High fidelity music mode". This setting is great where you want to transmit high quality music to an online audience 🎶https://t.co/gOy2XhuGTZ
— Luke (@LukeEvansTech) October 27, 2021
Whenever users decide to move to another device, clicking to join the meeting from the new device, they will receive two options: transfer to this device” or “stay on both devices”.
The Teams app can automatically switch to a mobile data network while maintaining video and screen sharing. The participants can continue the meeting without any disturbance.