Microsoft Teams Unveils AI-Powered Home Decorator and Voice Isolation Features at Ignite 2023

During Microsoft's Ignite 2023 event, the company unveiled a variety of exciting updates for Teams, its collaboration and messaging platform that rivals Slack. Among the numerous enhancements, two key features stand out: the rollout of voice isolation, an AI-enhanced noise reduction tool designed to minimize both background distractions and other participants' voices, and a new feature called “decorate your background.” This feature intelligently assesses your workspace, reducing clutter and even adding decorative elements like plants to improve your environment.

“Decorate your background” is bound to capture attention, as users can select various enhancements for their workspaces. The best part? You might never need to tidy your home office again—unless, of course, you're joining a Google Meet or Slack call.

The voice isolation feature is now being launched, with a broader rollout expected in early 2024. In addition, “decorate your background” will be available in early 2024 as part of Teams Premium.

Furthermore, Microsoft is set to make immersive spaces within Teams generally available in January. This feature, which reflects the metaverse trends of 2021, allows users to create avatars, attend meetings in engaging 3D environments, and enjoy interactive activities like virtual marshmallow roasting and beanbag tossing. Microsoft Mesh, the platform enabling these immersive experiences, will also be available starting in January.

For those who appreciate practical updates, Teams is introducing customizable emoji reactions, chat forwarding capabilities, group chat profile pictures, and the option to add a private secondary phone number for specific contacts. New keyboard shortcuts, such as Alt+Shift+D to activate Do Not Disturb, will enhance user efficiency, along with tools designed to help IT professionals manage their teams more effectively.

Earlier this year, Microsoft launched a revamped Teams app for Windows and Mac, and now users on Edge and Chrome will also benefit from improved performance, promising to double speed while using 50% less memory.

For more updates from Microsoft Ignite 2023, check out the following highlights:

- Announcement of new AI chips

- Introduction of three new Copilot features

- Renaming of Bing Chat to Copilot

- Launch of a deepfake creator

- Consolidation of Microsoft To Do, Planner, and Project within Teams

This article was originally published at 8 AM PT on November 15 and updated at 3:10 PM PT.