Windows 11 Announcement
Last week Microsoft officially announced Windows 11 at an official launch event where it confirmed rumours that collaboration platform Teams will be built into the core of the company’s new operating system.
A report published by Tech Radar last week summarises they key points around the integration and what it is likely to mean for the tools we will be using to collaborate.
The Teams integration will allow users to launch into chats and calls with a single click or touch via an icon in the taskbar. According to Panos Panay, Chief Product Office at Microsoft, the new functionality will help Windows users connect more easily with work and personal contacts, no matter the device or platform they are on.
The Microsoft Teams icon will take a front-and-centre spot on the new Windows 11 taskbar, which is positioned in the middle of the screen, similar to the macOS dock. From here, users will also be able to perform actions such as muting their microphone and launching into a presentation.
“It’s not just about creativity, it’s not just about productivity; beyond these things, there is another critical part of Windows. We want to bring you closer to the things you love, and connecting with people is at the top of that list,” said Panay.
Microsoft Teams on Windows 11
Whispers about a possible Teams integration began swirling earlier in the week, when analysis of the leaked Windows 11 build revealed Microsoft-owned Skype had been struck from the list of software that comes pre-installed with Windows.
During the pandemic, Skype has played second fiddle to Teams, which has received a raft of new features and performance improvements that have helped establish the service as a household name, alongside the likes of Zoom and Slack.
Although the consumer version of Skype will remain active, Skype for Business Online will be retired by July 31 2021, after which date business customers will be forced to migrate to Microsoft Teams.
By putting Teams on a platter for all Windows 11 users, Microsoft will hope it can increase its already strong position in the collaboration and video conferencing market as businesses transition to a hybrid working model in the months to come.
“The last 18 months drove new behaviour for how we create meaningful connections with people digitally. Even as we start to return to more in-person interaction, we want to continue to make it easy for people to stay close with each other no matter where they are,” added Panay.
“Windows is more than just an operating system; it’s a fabric woven into our lives and in our work. It’s where we connect with people, it’s where we learn, work and play. Just like Windows, Teams brings you closer to the people you love and to the information you both want and need.”
When will Windows 11 be available? Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade for qualifying Windows 10 PCs and will begin rolling out in the winter. If you’re new to Teams or not sure about how to get the most out of the application, here at F1 we have a specific Microsoft Teams training module that covers everything you need to know. Contact us to book a course for you and your colleagues. This course operates as a 1 day course for up to 6 colleagues, or you can opt for our 2 hours Teams Quick Wins course which will get you up to speed on the basics in a manageable bite size online course.