Microsoft released series of great new features that enhance meeting room experiences in the Teams Rooms on Windows app (version 5.2). They’ll be released in two phases, some in September and the rest in October. Features rolling out in this first phase are listed below.
1. Ultrasound proximity join
The proximity join feature uses ultrasound technology to accurately identify and add nearby Teams Rooms to your meeting. Your device detects ultrasonic signals emitted by the Teams Room and shows a list of nearby rooms on the pre-join screen. IT admins can configure ultrasound signals and set automatic join acceptance via XML file settings.
2. Roster grouping for proximity join participants
When you join a meeting in a Teams Room on Windows using proximity join from a laptop or mobile device, the system will indicate that you are in the room and group you with other participants in the same room. This improves visibility by allowing meeting participants to quickly see who is in each room just by glancing at the roster. Available in Teams Rooms Pro.
3. Text and UI resizing customizations
Admins now have the ability to adjust the size of text and user interface elements on the front-of-room display. This functionality extends to touch-enabled boards, making the experience more customizable for different display needs.
4. Dynamic video tile re-sizing based on people count
Video tiles automatically resize based on how many people are in the room. For a single person, the room video tile is the same size as a remote participant’s tile. With two or more people, the tile expands to four times its original size. Admins also have the option to disable this feature.
5. Native controls on console for OEM camera features
In Teams Rooms on Windows, meeting participants can now directly control OEM-provided camera features through the console. Options include group framing, active speaker framing, and OEM-specific IntelliFrame views, enhancing the meeting experience.
6. Cloud IntelliFrame preview indicator
When Cloud IntelliFrame is activated, the preview video displays an IntelliFrame icon, letting in-room participants know how they appear to online attendees. Available in Teams Rooms Pro.
7. Breakout room support
Teams Rooms on Windows now supports breakout rooms, allowing them to be added to breakout sessions and moved in and out of the main room seamlessly. This facilitates better coordination during breakout sessions.
8. Automatically set work location on bookable desks
When you connect peripherals to a bookable desk, your work location can be automatically set to “In the office,” with admin permission. This makes it easier to coordinate and connect with coworkers who are also in the office.
9. Manage custom background images on Teams panels
Admins can now upload and set custom background images that reflect the organization’s branding on Teams panels through the Teams Admin Center. This feature is available for panels licensed via Teams Rooms Pro or Teams Shared Device.
