Microsoft Teams gets new features including end-to-end encryption option for 1:1 VoIP calls

Microsoft Teams is getting a bunch of new features. On day 1 of the Ignite conference, Microsoft introduced a new channel-sharing feature called Teams Connect, multiple modes for meetings, improved webinar experience, and more. Another highlight is the introduction of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for ad hoc 1:1 Teams VoIP calls. Let’s take a look at the announcements.

Meetings

Microsoft introduced a dynamic view for Teams users. As users join, switch on the video, and start to speak, Teams automatically adjusts the screen and personalises the layout. The feature will be available soon.

There’s a new view switch in the top bar of the Teams meeting. It allows users how to control what they want to view the meeting content. Users can now easily switch between Together Mode, Focus, and Full Screen. It will also be very soon on Teams.

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For meetings that require presentations, Teams will soon offer a presenter mode. For instance, users can choose to demonstrate a video feed next to their content. Another feature, called Standout, allows your video feed as a silhouette in the front of the shared content.

Teams will also get live reactions. Users can respond to a meeting using emojis.

Privacy

For privacy-conscious users, Microsoft Teams will soon support an option to use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for ad hoc 1:1 Teams VoIP call. Microsoft says for better compliance, IT will have full control of who can use E2EE in the organisation. The E2EE for Teams 1:1 VoIP calls will be available to commercial users in preview in the first half of this year.

Webinars

For larger broadcasts, Microsoft Teams will make it easier for users to host webinars. Users can set a custom attendee registration page for the webinar to better manage the attendance before the meeting. For an easier joining experience, registered users automatically get an email confirmation to join the webinar. Within webinars, there are more and different controls for organisers.

Teams Connect

The feature makes it easier for users to share channels with anyone, internal or external to their organisation.

“In the shared workspace, you can leverage Teams rich collaboration capabilities: chat, meet, call, share and co-author documents in real-time. Admins have access to granular controls, allowing their organization to stay in control of how external users access data and information. Teams Connect is available today in private preview and will roll out broadly later this calendar year,” Microsoft explained in a post.