Microsoft, yesterday launched the personal version of Teams, its video chat and collaboration software to take on the likes of WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet.
"From online calls that will make you feel like you're in the same place as your loved ones to group chats that will be coordinating plans with your loved ones a breeze, these optional features in Teams are designed to bring you closer to the people you care about so that you can call, chat, plan, and organize things big and small—together in one place," Microsoft said in a blog post.
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This free software is similar to the business version of Microsoft Teams, which comes as part of the Office 365 subscription, packing features such as video calls, group chats, and tools that help you make shared to-do lists and tasks.
Users will be able to make one-on-one video calls and talk for up to 24 hours. Microsoft has waived some restrictions around group video calls amid the coronavirus pandemic, allowing users to meet with up to 300 people for up to 24 hours.
However, free group calls will be limited to up to 100 people for one hour, though Microsoft didn't say when that will happen.
The company says people will be able to use Together Mode in Microsoft Teams, which digitally places people on a video call into a shared background. Talking about backgrounds, Microsoft said it added new backgrounds such as the family lounge, coffee shop and, summer resort.
Last year, we saw the use of video chats and conferencing services such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and others explode, all thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Though life is beginning to return back to normal in some parts of the world, many people still rely on these video conferencing services for work and to keep in touch with family and loved ones.