Microsoft Teams Make Video Meetings More Fun, Comfortable

Microsoft Teams users who want to change their background from a plain or messy real one to a more interesting virtual one now have another option. Beyond using the default images offered by Microsoft, you can upload and use your own custom image. The process is fairly quick and simple, and you can choose from a JPG, PNG, or BMP image on your computer.

With so many people moving suddenly to remote work, the free version of Teams has become an important way for teams to meet and collaborate online. "We want to help them continue to connect effectively, so we’re bringing several new features to this version of Teams.
Custom images and other background effects are only available for scheduled Teams meetings", Microsoft says.

Teams has a background blurring effect and a library of pre-installed images to allow meeting participants to conceal their messy home offices. But it’s still playing catch-up with rival Zoom, which has seen huge growth during the coronavirus pandemic (despite multiple security issues), as people have been working and schooling remotely.

Zoom already allows the use of custom images for meeting backgrounds. Microsoft said Teams saw a brisk uptick in users during the pandemic as well, and has continued to roll out new features.

One caution about using background images in Teams: the company says using the blurring effect or a custom image may not prevent others on a video call from being able to see sensitive information.

In addition to the custom images, Microsoft also rolled out some new features for free users of Teams, including the ability to schedule meetings and send out invites instead of just using the “Meet Now” option. Free users of Teams also can now add live captions to their calls. And Microsoft says it’s adding Pride-themed images to its collection of custom Teams backgrounds, which will begin rolling out June 16th.

Note: If you are already a user of the free version of Teams, this update will automatically happen, and you will be able to schedule meetings, as well.

The free version of Teams also provides all types of organizations up to 500,000 users with:

• Unlimited chat and search
• Audio and video calling
• Scheduled meetings
• 10 GB team file storage and 2 GB personal file storage per person
• Ability to use the Office web apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote)
• Unlimited app integration
• And much more!

And it’s all backed by Microsoft’s secure, global infrastructure—so all of our users can enjoy the confidence of a secure and reliable service. You can learn more and sign up for this free version today with just your email address here.

June 14, 2020