Microsoft Teams is adding one of the worst Zoom features
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Your Microsoft Teams conversations can become a lot more fun with the addition of a new feature heavily influenced by Zoom.
The video conferencing platform has revealed that it is working on video filters that will allow users to add a little more customization to their feeds.
These additions are likely to go beyond the existing tools that allow blurry Microsoft Teams backgrounds or a collection of basic images to allow users to show a little more personality during a call or meeting.
Microsoft Teams video filters
In his post on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap (opens in new tab)the company describes the new addition as allowing those in Teams Meetings to “amplify their video stream with visual effects”.
It adds that the effects will be provided by app developers on Teams Platform, meaning a wide range of options should be available at launch, along with significant expansions soon after as more and more users embrace the tool.
The update is still listed as “in development” for now, with an expected general availability date of February 2023, so users won’t have to wait too long. After release, it will initially only be available to Microsoft Teams desktop users around the world.
As mentioned earlier, video filters have long been a popular feature on Zoom, allowing users to enliven their conversations with a range of backgrounds, virtual hats and glasses, and other framing effects.
The platform unveiled animated avatars in March 2022, giving users the chance to appear in animal form, with choices ranging from cat to cow, raccoon, rabbit, dog, and more. The avatars not only replace the original video feed, but also mirror the person’s head movements and facial expressions thanks to a few AI tricks.
Microsoft also recently revealed that the next generation of Teams will feature a significant customization upgrade. It noted that companies using Microsoft Teams Premium could add their own branding, custom backgrounds and Together Mode scenes to boost their presence in meetings.