Microsoft is introducing an enhanced version of its Microsoft Teams chat application, which has been completely rebuilt for improved speed and usability. This revamped version has been in preview since March and is now available for installation by both Windows and Mac users after years of development.
According to Microsoft, the new Teams is up to twice as fast and consumes 50 percent less memory, which is particularly beneficial for users with older laptops and PCs. The installation process is now three times faster, and launching or joining meetings takes half the time, with the app also using 70 percent less disk space.
These performance enhancements are attributed to Microsoft’s transition from the Electron foundation to Microsoft’s Edge WebView2 technology, as well as the adoption of the React JavaScript library and the Fluent design language system for UI improvements.
During its preview period, the new Teams lacked some features that have now been added to the final version. This includes full feature parity, encompassing custom line-of-business apps, third-party apps, breakout rooms, 7×7 video, call queues, PSTN calling, contextual search in chats and channels, cross-posting channel conversations, and more.
Microsoft will deliver new Teams features exclusively through this client, prompting businesses to upgrade. Fortunately, there’s no need for migration as “classic Teams” users will be automatically upgraded in the coming months.
For Mac users, the new Teams client was initially unavailable during the preview phase, but now, with the final release for macOS, there are notable improvements, including faster chat and channel switching and improved scrolling. This new client also serves as the foundation for Microsoft’s AI-powered Copilot feature in Teams, allowing users to summarize meetings, read action items, and streamline conversations.
Enterprise users of Microsoft Teams will have the option to upgrade to the new Teams client, which will become the default app in the monthly enterprise channel in December. The upgrade process is as simple as toggling a switch in the existing Teams app, and Microsoft has provided a detailed rollout schedule for different Microsoft 365 users.