Mark II. Redmond is currently testing a redesigned version of its communication client in the preview builds of Windows 11, internally called Microsoft Teams 2.0.
And the improvements this new iteration it brings goes beyond just a version increase.
That is because unlike the desktop client that is currently available for everyone, Teams 2.0 is based on Edge WebView 2, and it uses the Chromium rendering engine. This essentially enables it to make use of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Microsoft has dropped the clunky old Angular and Electron frameworks and is now using React.js, a very popular open-source frontend JavaScript library.
In addition, the software titan also appears to be testing a new messaging feature called “quoted replies” that allows users to respond to specific messages or even quote their own message in the response.
This feature is, of course, nothing new, and is available on pretty much all social media and communication platforms. Even the Teams mobile apps have it. But it is now finally coming to Teams desktop.
Microsoft Teams 2.0 was also updated with advanced features and general improvements, including the ability to star calls directly from the Taskbar. Users can now start or join conversations, and the same goes for meetings.
They can also toggle their microphone and camera on or off, and manage the meeting settings like preferred speakers, mic, and camera.
Likewise, this new version has also been updated with support for screen sharing, a roster menu for participants, the ability to admit meeting participants, a gallery view, and more. These were the features missing in the initial preview, but they are now enabled in Windows 11 build 22000.132.
Teams 2.0 is currently exclusive to personal accounts, and can be downloaded by updating the app via the Microsoft Store on Windows 11.
