Forget Zoom: Microsoft Teams just got a killer feature it can't match

Microsoft Teams live reactions

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft Teams is getting a boost in video conferencing thanks to a new feature called Coordinated Meetings. This update allows organizations with Microsoft Teams Rooms devices also equally the Surface Hub to sync all their devices together.

If you own or work for a business organisation that has such devices, which range from wireless headsets to smart conferencing hubs, you'll be able to bring together a meeting on one device and take all other uniform devices in the room go connected to the same coming together.

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The idea backside this feature is to sync all these devices upwardly to provide the best meeting experience. Then that means potentially having audio picked up by one device while some other provides the camera for video, with devices that aren't needed being shut off to prevent audio feedback or other irritating distractions.

Effectively, the whole affair allows you lot to bring a load of devices' best features together in 1 meeting; that'due south something you can't do with Zoom. It will have a chip of configuration though, with each device needing its own Exchange room mailbox.

You lot can ready Coordinated Meetings on a Teams Rooms device with a touchscreen, or y'all tin can gear up a whole suit of devices from a central location using an XML configuration file. However, the latter method is probably ane more than suited to IT departments.

But one time it's all ready, you should accept a meeting room perfectly configured for video conferencing.

Such a new feature might be very oriented towards concern use. But for people working from abode and joining Microsoft Teams meetings from remote destinations, information technology should make for a more pleasant meeting experience. A refined meeting setup means there'll be less of a chance to hear someone'southward heavy breathing if they sit down too close to a video conferencing device — and that's a win for everybody.

Roland Moore-Colyer is U.K. Editor at Tom's Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He oftentimes writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other $.25 of hardware; he'south likewise got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can exist found wandering around London, often with a look of marvel on his face.