
Microsoft Teams Introduces Threaded Conversations and Unified Chats for Better Collaboration
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Microsoft Teams Introduces Threaded Conversations to Enhance Communication
Microsoft is taking significant strides in improving its Microsoft Teams communications app by introducing threaded conversations, which are slated for release in mid-2025. In the meantime, the tech giant is also integrating its separate chats and channels user interface into a unified view, providing users with a streamlined experience.
A Unified Interface for Chats and Channels
In August, reports surfaced about Microsoft's plans for a new chats and channels experience, which has now been confirmed. According to Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, the redesign aims to simplify the digital workspace.
"We've redesigned the chat and channels experience to simplify your digital workspace by bringing chats, teams, and channels into one place under Chat," stated Teper. This integration addresses a major complaint from users: the inconvenience of flipping between different sections to catch up on group messages and channels.
Enhanced Features for Improved Usability
The new UI will allow users to:
- Keep chats and channels separate or create custom sections for organizing conversations and projects.
- Access a favorites section where pinned chats and channels will appear for quick reference.
- Utilize new controls to show message previews, view all channels in a unified list, and manage timestamps.
- Access an @mentions view that highlights specific conversations where users have been mentioned, whether in direct messages or channels.
This updated interface will be available in public preview for both desktop and mobile apps in November, with enhancements also coming to the iOS and Android versions of Teams.
The Future of Threaded Conversations
Alongside the unified UI, the implementation of threaded conversations is anticipated to further elevate the chat experience within Microsoft Teams. Teper noted, "We are beginning to test threaded conversations with customers this quarter and will expand testing in early 2025, with broad availability expected in mid-2025."
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