Apple users are set to get a welcome productivity boost when it comes to using Microsoft Teams on their mobile or tablet device.
The video conferencing platform has revealed it is working on bringing Picture in Picture mode to iPhone and iPad users, letting them view multiple windows at once on their device.
This could mean users are able to carry out a video call on their device whilst consulting a useful document or presentation at the same time, without the need to switch between apps and potentially drop their call.
Microsoft Teams Picture in Picture for iOS
In the official Microsoft 365 roadmap entry (opens in new tab) for the update, the company notes that, “the new Picture in Picture mode lets you see your meeting in an adjustable window while using other apps on your mobile device.”
The feature is still listed as being “in development”, but has an expected availability date of December 2022, meaning users shouldn’t have too long to wait. When released, it will be available to all iOS users of Microsoft Teams across the globe.
The launch is the latest in a series of productivity-themed releases from Microsoft Teams as it continues to try and boost the usability and efficiency of its platform.
This includes a number of under-the-hood speed-related upgrades aimed at improving the user experience when navigating around Microsoft Teams, namely an upgraded framework which is now able to render HTML trees faster, run JavaScript and serialize arrays more efficiently.
The company claims that these changes should contribute to a 30% speed increase when switching between Microsoft Teams chats or channels.
In other multi-tasking news, the company also recently announced that in-app games are coming to Microsoft Teams.
However, far from just being a distraction, Microsoft claims that interaction through play is designed to tackle some of the greatest challenges of the hybrid workplace, including “struggling to build trust, create connections, and improve team morale.”
It also recently revealed that transcription for 1:1 calls and group calls is now available on the Microsoft Teams app for Android, giving users the chance to review exactly what was said, or if any details were missed.
Users will also be able to start transcription for meetings on Microsoft Teams for iOS and Android, as well as being able to view the meeting transcripts after their calls have finished.
