Welcome to the Might 2023 version of What’s New in Groups! This month featured a ton of nice bulletins from Microsoft Construct 2023. Make sure to catch-up on all the nice options that have been revealed to make Microsoft and Microsoft Groups the most effective place for builders to construct the next-gen of collaborative apps.
We’ve got a terrific line-up of latest options to announce. This month brings 32 new options to Groups. My private favorites are Avatars for conferences which may give me a much-needed digicam break when I’ve a full day of on-camera conferences and Clever Assembly Recap for Groups Premium customers which leverages AI to routinely present a complete overview of your assembly, serving to save time catching up and coordinating subsequent steps.
Please examine all of the updates and let me know your ideas! I’ll do my finest to reply and reply questions as they arrive up.
Conferences
Energetic speaker view in conferences
Speaker view for Groups conferences means that you can effortlessly monitor the present energetic speaker. The energetic speaker’s video shall be rendered at the next decision, offering higher visible readability. The usage of 16:9 tiles and constant placement of audio and video contributors on the identical stage ensures a fluid expertise. Toggling movies on or off won’t trigger the whole stage to be re-rendered. The principle space designated for the energetic speaker can be utilized for shared content material, enabling seamless transitions throughout displays. Speaker View is especially efficient in eventualities with a restricted variety of key audio system and a big viewers, similar to city halls, trainings, or lectures – particularly from the coed’s perspective. You possibly can choose the “Speaker view” choice underneath “View” within the assembly toolbar. This view will not be set as a default view.
Extra info on energetic speaker view might be discovered right here.
Profanity filtering on/off management for Dwell Captions
You now have a brand new choice to show off the profanity filtering and be capable to see the Captions as is. You possibly can management this feature by way of Settings in Groups > Captions and transcripts > Filter profane phrases in assembly captions.
To show stay captions on, be a part of a gathering or begin a name. Choose the Extra icon within the assembly toolbar > Language and speech > Activate stay captions. To alter the spoken language, click on the three dots within the stay captions pane on the backside of the display.
Extra info on profanity filtering might be discovered right here.
Assist Breakout Rooms on VDI
Organizer help for Breakout Rooms for VDI customers is now enabled. Breakout rooms enable assembly organizers to separate principal conferences into smaller periods for centered discussions.
Extra info on help of breakout rooms on VDI might be discovered right here.
The brand new assembly recap expertise
Microsoft Groups helps you atone for assembly contents from the ‘Particulars’ tab of a gathering, which supplies hyperlinks to the assembly transcript, recording, and any guide notes that have been taken. Now, we’re taking it additional with the brand new and improved assembly recap expertise, out there for all Groups customers.
The brand new assembly recap shall be out there on the ‘Recap’ tab and can allow you to look at the assembly recording immediately inside Groups, in addition to present co-created collaborative assembly notes, assembly transcript, and content material shared.
Avatars for Microsoft Groups
Avatars for Microsoft Groups provides you that much-needed digicam break, whereas nonetheless permitting you to collaborate successfully. You possibly can add a brand new layer of option to your conferences and characterize your self the way in which you need with customizable avatars and reactions.
Groups Cellphone
Change name queue and auto attendant greetings and bulletins by licensed customers
To adapt to altering environments, Groups Cellphone customers want to regulate their name queue/auto attendant greetings and bulletins. That is required extra ceaselessly than what the IT helpdesk can usually deal with. Now with person managed CQ/AA greetings for Groups finish customers, licensed customers recognized by Groups tenant admins can change greetings and bulletins for his or her respective name queues and auto attendants with out leaving Groups.
Compliance recording for redirected calls
Organizations who’re utilizing compliance recording options built-in with Groups will now be capable to be certain that compliance recording insurance policies are maintained when a name is redirected. Redirected eventualities embody forwarded and transferred calls, calls redirected to voicemail, delegated calls, and name to name teams. This additional permits organizations to constantly adhere to rules, inner insurance policies, and business requirements.
Chat and collaboration
Expanded view for profile card
The expanded view that’s already stay in different M365 experiences, similar to Outlook is coming to Groups. From Groups chats, channels, calls or conferences, you may simply lookup richer profile information and study extra about who they’re collaborating with together with, contact info, job title and their LinkedIn profile and insights, like birthdays or profession updates, serving to kind private connections. Additionally, you will be capable to simply entry their colleagues’ group chart from the profile and as soon as executed viewing, they will merely shut and proceed the place they left off in Groups.
Create offline conferences in Groups
Now you can schedule in-person conferences, like when a gathering doesn’t require you to be on-line, similar to private appointment or lunch break. Within the Groups calendar, it is possible for you to to simply flip off the web toggle to create an offline assembly. Offline conferences won’t embody chat threads or different assembly functionalities such because the be a part of a gathering button or recording capabilities.
New ‘notes’ tab when creating a regular channel
When creating a brand new commonplace channel in Groups, organizations who’ve enabled OneNote, the M365 app for notetaking, will routinely see a brand new ‘Notes’ tab created. Every crew can have a devoted OneNote workbook inside the channel making it simpler for workgroups to seamless collaborate. Crew members will be capable to add their notes, edit, connect information, recall & seek for channel notes inside OneNote on any platform.
A brand new information app expertise in Groups
A brand new information app expertise in Groups contains an up to date navigation panel that means that you can uncover, entry, obtain and simply share your paperwork and information out of your chats, channels, or conferences extra rapidly. The brand new file app expertise in Groups, is now powered by OneDrive, bringing consistency and familiarity with how information are saved, shared, and accessed throughout Microsoft 365.
Groups Rooms and Units
Monitor and pause computerized firmware updates for Android-based Groups units within the Groups Admin Heart
Admins can now simply monitor which firmware is being rolled out by way of computerized updates by way of the Groups Admin Heart and when. Moreover, computerized updates might be paused quickly, permitting time to validate eventualities and so forth. Relevant for Groups Rooms on Android and Android-based Groups Telephones, Panels, and shows.
Default assembly structure controls for Microsoft Groups Rooms on Android
IT admins can select the default assembly structure, selecting between Content material solely and Content material + Gallery when content material sharing begins to make sure a standardize expertise that’s straightforward for customers. Normal, Premium, and Professional service prospects may also select Entrance Row because the default structure.
Expanded, simpler interoperability
Groups Rooms prospects have larger performance and extra choices for having productive conferences with customers of different providers.
As introduced earlier this 12 months, Microsoft Groups Rooms prospects now have another choice for one-touch Direct Visitor Be a part of by way of Blue Denims by Verizon. Direct Visitor Be a part of permits BlueJeans Rooms prospects to hitch a Microsoft Groups assembly from a BlueJeans Room by way of newer Home windows and Android-based units. And conversely, Groups Rooms prospects will be capable to be a part of a BlueJeans assembly from their Groups Rooms and built-in controller. Study extra about Direct Visitor Be a part of right here.
As of Might 2023, it’s sooner and simpler for Cloud Video Interop (CVI) prospects to hitch Microsoft Groups Rooms conferences due to the brand new SIP visitor be a part of expertise. The trouble of getting to handle assembly coordinates within the invite will go away, making your Groups conferences much more seamless. The Groups Rooms platform will allow all 4 licensed CVI companions to supply licensed prospects this expertise. Study extra about Cloud Video Interop (CVI) companions and choices right here.
Yealink MCore Professional Package on Microsoft Groups Rooms on Home windows
The Yealink third era MCore Professional package is now out there and licensed for Microsoft Groups. The package consists of a mini PC, a contact panel, and wi-fi occupancy sensor. The MCore Professional mini-PC affords sooner processing, enhanced AI options, helps future upgrades for 3 screens and 21:9 shows with three HDMI outputs, and contains embedded CEC and EDID codecs for automated show management and sign adaptation. It’s paired with the MTouch Plus contact panel with an expansive 11.6-inch 1080p display and the RoomSensor wi-fi occupancy sensor that routinely prompts the contact panel and hyperlinks with different clever IoT terminals to allow computerized check-in, lighting management, and assembly room launch. Study extra concerning the Licensed for Microsoft Groups Yealink MCore Professional package right here.
Shure Microflex® Advance™ MXA902 Built-in Conferencing Ceiling Array with the ANIUSB-MATRIX Audio Community Interface
A whole ceiling-mounted audio resolution for AV conferencing that’s licensed for Microsoft Groups, the MXA902 combines a state-of-the-art array microphone with an built-in wide-dispersion loudspeaker, plus IntelliMix® DSP for natural-sounding speech seize and copy, in a single unit. Straightforward to deploy for AV conferencing, with minimal setup required when paired with the ANIUSB-MATRIX Audio Community Interface, the MXA902 is a Microsoft Groups Rooms resolution for medium-sized rooms that gives a quick approach to higher sound. Study extra about Shure Groups Assembly Rooms options.
Digital entrance desk on Groups licensed shows
Digital entrance desk permits employees to greet and serve guests or workers by way of video name on a Groups Show. It’s primarily used for digital reception and helpdesk use circumstances. IT directors can simply configure Digital entrance desk with contact and routing info. This characteristic is now out there by way of the Groups Shared System license.
Simpler Hotdesking Signal-in with QR Code Replace
Introduced earlier this 12 months, signing right into a hotdesking system is now sooner with the QR code replace that’s typically out there for the hotdesking expertise on Microsoft Groups Shows. Now when customers wish to entry private info whereas hotdesking with a Groups show, they will merely scan a QR code with their cell phones to login and entry their conferences, calendar, chats, and information.
Busy-on-busy admin settings now honored on Groups cellphone units
Inside Groups admin middle, admins can allow a “busy on busy” name setting to additionally present on cellphone units (excluding user-controlled choice). Busy on busy permits you to configure how incoming calls are dealt with when a person is already in a name or convention or has a name positioned on maintain. New or incoming calls might be rejected with a busy sign or might be routed accordingly to the person’s unanswered settings, whereas the recipient will obtain a missed name notification. Introduced final month for desktop and internet, this characteristic is now out there on Groups Cellphone units.
Dynamic emergency calling enhancements on Groups Cellphone Units
If you’re within the US and Canada, now you can simply set and ensure their emergency location within the Calls app on the cellphone system. Introduced final month for desktop and internet, this necessary characteristic is now out there on Groups Cellphone units.
Jabra Evolve2 30 and 40 SE Headsets
The Jabra Evolve2 30 and 40 Stereo headsets are licensed for Microsoft groups and ship distinctive audio, excellent noise isolation, and superior consolation. Study extra about these and different licensed for Microsoft Groups peripherals.
New Epos wi-fi headset now licensed for Groups
The EPOS Influence 1060 ANC/1060/1030 collection of enterprise headsets are designed particularly for open workplace areas, with EPOS BrainAdapt ™ expertise and voice pickup powered by AI to verify messages get by way of crisply and naturally. These headsets promote readability, consolation and comfort to help centered conversations. Obtainable now in a wide range of fashions with choices for energetic noise cancelation, and single- or double-sided Bluetooth. Wired variations are anticipated to be licensed quickly.
IT Admin and Safety
New widget for unspent Azure consumption dedication
New widget within the Microsoft Groups admin middle (TAC) helps admins rapidly view unspent Microsoft Azure consumption dedication (MACC) that they will apply when making buy of Groups apps which are Azure profit eligible. It’s going to solely be out there to organizations which have an present MACC settlement with Microsoft.
Block nameless customers’ assembly chat learn entry
This characteristic builds on the flexibility to dam nameless customers’ write entry in inner conferences by additionally blocking nameless customers from accessing the chat. That is executed by disabling the learn entry on prime of the prevailing disabled write entry. IT admins can activate this setting for inner customers from the Groups Admin Heart or by way of PowerShell. Attendees in the identical assembly who’ve entry to assembly chat shall be notified that exterior contributors won’t see chat when this setting is in impact.
Cellular
Dashboard for Chat
This characteristic will replace the prevailing chat particulars web page to offer extra info and enable you to simply discover content material shared within the chat.
Name Well being Panel
The Name Well being Panel in Groups on VDI and internet helps you establish and troubleshoot points you would possibly expertise throughout a Groups assembly or name. On this view you’ll get information in your community, audio, display sharing, and outgoing video high quality.
Platform
App solutions by activity in In-context Shops
You consistently take into consideration which duties they should full similar to making a survey inside Groups. Now, app solutions shall be organized by duties the apps help versus typical classes (productiveness, mission administration). In consequence, the brand new categorization will scale back the period of time you could spend studying about these apps – serving to them to work extra successfully. The duty-based app solutions shall be added to the Tabs, Messaging Extension, and Bots in-context Shops.
Collaborative Stageview
With Collaborative Stageview, app content material opens in a brand new Groups window the place you may interact with content material and chat with different crew members, side-by-side. Collab Stage permits you to share hyperlinks and collaborate on content material, proper from inside Groups.
Zero-touch App Set up
Microsoft Groups Zero-touch App Set up (ZTI) characteristic permits admins and customers to streamline the administration and utilization of apps inside their organizations. ZTI routinely installs apps on Groups for customers after they check in to SaaS apps with Azure AD credentials, whereas respecting app entry controls set by admins. This reduces guide processes and administrative prices. Admins can seamlessly add apps that customers have used outdoors of Groups, maximizing the worth of present SaaS licenses. With ZTI, customers keep away from looking for apps and might proceed to make use of the identical instruments inside Groups to remain within the circulation of labor with out context switching.
Groups Premium
Microsoft Groups: Digital Appointments two-way foyer chat
Digital Appointments two-way foyer chat to allow shoppers and facilitators to talk previous to B2C conferences.
Clever Assembly Recap
Clever recap leverages AI to routinely present a complete overview of your assembly, serving to save time catching up and coordinating subsequent steps. You’ll see generated assembly notes, really helpful duties, and customized highlights that can assist you rapidly discover the data most necessary to you, even when you miss the assembly. Assembly recordings are an unimaginable instrument to atone for discussions you missed, however setting apart the time to look at them of their entirety is greater than a small problem. Navigate effectively to the elements of the recording most related to you thru customized timeline markers, routinely generated chapters based mostly on PowerPoint Dwell, and speaker timeline markers. With clever recap, you may deal with the assembly dialogue itself and never on capturing notes. AI-generated notes permit you to see key factors and takeaways after the assembly, routinely created and powered by GPT. And follow-up is straightforward with AI-generated duties and motion gadgets routinely instructed for you.
Authorities
These options at the moment out there to Microsoft’s business prospects in multi-tenant cloud environments at the moment are rolling out to prospects within the US Authorities Neighborhood Cloud (GCC), US Authorities Neighborhood Cloud Excessive (GCC-Excessive), and/or the US Division of Protection (DoD).
Excel Dwell for GCCH
Excel Dwell is now out there for GCCH. With “Excel Dwell,” you may share and collaborate on an Excel workbook in a gathering. That is useful whenever you wish to get work executed along with your colleagues in a gathering. It seamlessly turns the assembly window canvas into an Excel workbook for collaboration with out having to maneuver between home windows or screens. Choose the file you wish to share, grant permissions to assembly contributors, and allow all assembly contributors to edit the doc from the assembly window.
Discover extra details about Excel Dwell right here.
GCC-H help for Microsoft Groups Rooms on Android
Groups Rooms on Android and Groups Admin Heart functionalities at the moment are supported¹ for GCC-H prospects. Now GCC-H tenant prospects can reap the benefits of Microsoft Groups Rooms on each Home windows and Android units. Obtainable in Normal, Premium, and Professional licenses.
1. Whereas most options within the Business tenant are additionally within the GCC-H tenant, there are just a few options that aren’t at the moment out there together with Individuals rely in conferences, Beginning a Whiteboard, Reporting an issue, and 1 on 1 name recording.