Remote Support
16 Nov Microsoft Teams will reduce meeting background noise with artificial intelligence
Remote working has certainly had its benefits in the last 7 months, but it’s not without challenges. For many remote work employees, daily distractions such as children, pets, spouses, housemates and dodgy internet connections can all interrupt important conversations. Whether a dog is barking while someone is trying to speak or construction noise drowns out voices, disruptions are abundant whilst working at home.
Microsoft Teams continues to stay ahead of the game and develop features and functionality that suit the remote worker. The app is already helping businesses stay seamlessly connected and in sync during these turbulent times, and new innovations make working from home easier. The latest announced feature? Teams is now using artificial intelligence to help reduce background noise to enhance video and audio calling. The update, which will go live early November 2020, will be an asset to countless remote workers across the UK/Ireland. Keep reading to learn more about how Teams will be using AI to achieve this sought-after feature.
How can you reduce background noise on Microsoft Teams?
As remote workers settle into a new routine and a new normal, they pick up a variety of new habits. For example, learning how to hit the mute button quickly when you know your dog is about to bark is a must-have skill when home working! However, it can be incredibly frustrating to concentrate on an important meeting or call when the background noise gets too loud.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people feel like very little is within their control. New restrictions are being announced as the UK/Ireland sees a second wave of the coronavirus, and remote work is quickly becoming a permanent solution for many businesses. At a time when tension and emotions are running high, little annoyances can turn into major headaches. Microsoft Teams is continuing to adapt to the needs of businesses during the pandemic by resolving the everyday frustrations and challenges of remote work.
Microsoft recently shared their roadmap, highlighting new updates to come in November. Businesses can expect to see artificial intelligence leveraged to reduce background noise and enhance the overall user experience for Microsoft Teams. Currently, Microsoft Teams utilises deep neural networks that are specially trained to analyse audio. The existing version of Microsoft Teams enables users to remove some background noise and reduce unwanted disruptions during calls. However, the new feature will allow for a “high” option for noise suppression.
Who can access the new Microsoft Teams update?
As part of the roadmap detailing new features and updates, Microsoft hinted at which devices will receive the new option for noise suppression. It seems that devices, including desktops and laptops, powered by Windows 10 will have access to the new update. The update is expected to rollout to these devices in November, but it is yet unclear if it will be widely available for other devices.
What other features can you expect from Microsoft Teams?
This is not the first update from Microsoft Teams that caters to remote workers. A slew of features and functionality has been added to the app in recent months, making the work-from-home experience easier and more productive. Microsoft Teams maintains an FAQ page dedicated to helping businesses support remote workers, and the content is regularly updated with new features and rollouts.
The Microsoft Teams blog provides tips and valuable information on making the most of your Microsoft Teams subscription. Businesses can also share the many training and how-to videos available from the app with their employees. Training is available for both admins and end-users.
When it comes to remote work, security is crucial. Microsoft Teams regularly shares new updates on security features to keep businesses safe during these uncertain times. Employees can share important documents and files without fear of compromising sensitive information. The Microsoft Teams mobile app keeps everyone connected at home or on-the-go, and communication templates make it easy to share information with an entire organisation in no time at all.
The latest update from Microsoft Teams is sure to improve the remote work experience for all users. By leveraging the power of AI to reduce background noise, calls will be clearer and more efficient. Microsoft’s commitment to improve remote work conditions makes it clear why the app is the number one choice for remote working businesses.