Microsoft is increasing the number of participants who can be viewed simultaneously on the Teams meetings stage from four to nine. The company made the announcement introducing new features to the service.
How this works is that it will optimize for attendees who have video-enabled. It will then place the remaining audio-only participants below the meeting stage. Microsoft notes, “the layout will adapt, based on the user bandwidth and alter the number of videos shown to provide the best meeting experience“.
In addition to this, the company also announced other features. These include Raise Hands, – a feature that lets meeting participants identify they want to speak -, one on one live recording, Background effects and Background Blur for iOS.
“The new capabilities will further the experience for our customers“,Microsoft says.
The new features are live and being rolled out in stages. Microsoft says it will take a few weeks if you don’t have it yet.
Microsoft Teams has seen a surge in usage since the outbreak of Covid-19 global pandemic. It currently has more than 75 million daily active users. Recording more than 200 million meeting participants in a single day in April.
In healthcare alone, CEO, Satya Nadella shared there were more than 34 million Teams meetings in the past month. In education, more than 183,000 educational institutions now rely on Teams.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Hi, Kindly subscribe to get the latest from the Microsoft and Technology ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Microsoft wants high school girls around the world to develop their understanding of Artificial Intelligence. To achieve this, the company is introducing the DigiGirlz AI Class in partnership with Avanade and Accenture.
The program gives girls access to a collection of tutorials, games and technological resources. Designed in a way that it equips them with the skills and knowledge to apply the technology in real life.
Participants of the program will be treated to workshops led by industry experts. They will also receive help from mentors at Microsoft, Avanade and Accenture to develop their own projects.
Dubbed “Alice envisions the future“, it promotes endless curiosity and determination. Microsoft aims DigiGirlz AI Class will help “close the gap in STEM fields”. By “giving girls the right tools to discover the possibilities that await them“.
All high school girls worldwide can participate in the program. You don’t need any coding experience to begin.
The various workshops include Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep learning & Neural Networks and AI for Good.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Hi, Kindly subscribe to recieve the latest in news, events, offers and opportunities from the Microsoft and tech ecosystem in Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Microsoft announces it will start allowing users without an internet connection and those with low bandwidth connectivity toread chat messages on Microsoft Teams platform. This is to make it easier for users to continue working no matter where they are.
This part of a wider upgrade programme aimed at enhancing the user experience, the company shares. As more and more organisations, employees and students across the globe shift to remote working and learning in an effort to keep themselves and the people around them healthy and safe amidst Covid-19.
“Enabling remote work is more important than ever, and we are committed to building the tools that help organisations, teams, and individuals stay productive and connected even when they need to work apart,” says Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft 365.
As part of this upgrade programme, Teams is also introducing real-time noise suppression capabilities to minimize
distracting
background noise, allowing participants to hear what is being said. In
large meetings, it is also sometimes difficult for remote participants to chime
in when they have something to say. The newly introduced raise hand feature lets anyone in the meeting send a visual signal that
they have something to say.
“We continue to invest in experiences that will make it easier for teams to communicate and collaborate. The new capabilities we are announcing reflect our commitment to two things: building the very best online meeting experience for our customers; and bringing technological solutions to traditionally underserved professionals, including first line and healthcare workers,” explains Spataro.
Teams will soon enable
users to pop out chats into a separate window to help them streamline their workflow and
move more easily between ongoing conversations.
We are also expanding the Teams devices ecosystem, with new devices certified
for Teams. The Yealink VC210, now generally available, is the first collaboration bar certified for Teams,
and brings together speakers, microphone, camera and the Teams app to deliver a
meeting experience for smaller conference rooms that is simple to install and
easy to manage.
Over
the last three years, thousands of organisations, large and small, have
discovered how Teams can be their hub for teamwork, helping them to stay
connected and engaged. Today, 93 of the Fortune 100 use Teams, and 32
million people around the world make use of the solution daily.
In
the face of COVID-19, there are countless stories from customers who are using online
video conference facilities like Teams to connect and thrive in inspiring ways.
Universities across the world are moving courses online while doctors are using
Teams for videoconferencing with patients, especially those who are most
vulnerable to Coronavirus, as a way to protect both patients and
healthcare providers. Organisations are also using the online platform to conduct
orientation and trainings for new incoming employees.
Also introduced is the new Bookings app in Teams which makes it easy to schedule, manage and conduct virtual appointments for situations like healthcare patient consults, client meetings, or job candidate interviews.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get the latest from the ecosystem.” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Microsoft’s chromium Edge browser will spot a new icon and generally available January 2020 to Windows and Mac OS. The announcement comes as Microsoft shows plans for its various platforms at Microsoft Ignite 2019.
In January 2020, Microsoft will debut a new Edge browser. This new Microsoft Edge browser isn’t what you have know the previous browsers to be. It is built off a different engine than Internet explorer and Edge. The new browser runs on the Chromium web engine as the Google Chrome browser. What Microsoft did differently is that the company took the best parts of Google’s opensource chromium web engine. They then went on to add features users have requested for in Edge. Finally delivering a browser that doesn’t just compete with Chrome but outperforms it.
The new edge has been in development going through several iterations with user feedback to improve it
Microsoft says the browser “has hit a milestone in enterprise readiness“.
The browser offers world-class compatibility and performance, with control and security from Microsoft and built-in productivity tools for the web. It recognizes the need of enterprise customers for a modern web, while respecting their investment in legacy apps. It also manages for security concerns in today’s online world and addresses the data overwhelm of modern employees.
Visit the Edge insider page, download and try it out or get more details.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get more stories from us” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”false” ]
Microsoft Learn is getting a new homepage to make navigating and finding relevant content easy. The change also brings in new features such as collections and community trends. Microsoft is also moving Certifications to Microsoft Learn. This was announced at the ongoing Ignite conference in Orlando Florida.
Microsoft recently brought all of its learning platform together in one place, under Learn. Retiring the Microsoft Virtual Academy and Microsoft Professional Program. Shifting from a product-based learning to a role-based learning. To give learners a way to build technical skills and gain industry-recognized certifications. With Microsoft Learn anyone, no matter their level, from beginner to expert can skill up on Microsoft products. Getting a recognized technical certification when they sit an exams afterwards. The interactive learning platform is completely free to use.
A New Microsoft Learn homepage
New Microsoft Learn homepage will make it easier to navigate and find relevant content including what’s trending in the community. Microsoft continues to say “the revamped page includes links to trending and featured content, helping users start learning more quickly.” The company also notes that in the future users will see links to personalized content on the homepage by role, proficiency and product. Based on the information users provide in their profiles.”
A centralized hub for certifications
As part of the changes, Microsoft is moving information about Certifications to Microsoft learn. Microsoft notes it wants to make it easier for users to choose the best approach to certification. “When prepping for a certification exam, users can choose hands-on interactive training on Microsoft Learn or training with an instructor.” Learners now have a role-based learning approach to a technical role or requirement. When a learner selects a job role they will discover the certification paths available to that role.
Collections, new Exams and Certifications
Microsoft is introducing eight new certifications on cloud-focused job roles. As a result, there will now be over 20 Microsoft certifications for positions ranging from beginner to expert level.
Another feature to the free learning platform is collections. A way for users to create, manage and share custom collections of trainings. Collections will allowing a learner to develop personalized learning plans and track progress.
Microsoft Ignite 2019 is here. The largest Microsoft annual event will host about twenty six thousand IT implementers, developers, partners, students and more. Taking place November 4th to 7th in Orlando Florida.
Join us follow the online viewing of Microsoft’s Ignite 2019 conference. Event starts at these times worldwide 9am ET, 2PM GMT, 5PM EAT and 4PM SAT. Check back for more details and announcements from the event as well.
Watch vision Keynote with Satya Nadella
There will be several breakout sessions and technical keynotes. Some streamed, others not, but will be available on demand after the event. Logging in to the tech community gives you access to all the session Visit the conference page to for more details.
Join the Ignite conversation online using the hashtag #MSIgnite. Also the Ignite conference will be going on the road again this year. Check out events planned for the Middle East Africa region here. With events in scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, Dubai and Tel Aviv.
