Microsoft Teams heads-up for headsets

Microsoft is going to add support for Bluetooth headsets to the Windows version of Teams in an upcoming update, allowing users to answer calls, dial numbers, and hang up with these headsets. 

This should be a welcome addition for people using keyboard shortcuts or a mouse to answer, end, or hold calls during meetings and calls.

In the latest update for Microsoft Teams, which was released, users will be able to use their Bluetooth headsets to answer calls from the application. The feature is already available in preview for some users on Windows 11 PCs.

How it works

The new calling feature will be available in the forthcoming version of the Teams desktop app. Once it rolls out, you’ll be able to use the device buttons on your Bluetooth headset or speakerphone to access various features of your calls such as muting, resuming/ending calls, adding participants to call groups, and setting a call timer.

The feature will also support voice commands for controlling calls — for example, you can say “Call Dave” to set up a conference call with the person whose name you just said.

Microsoft will also add some new features for this feature. For example, users can now call a group of people from a phone number even if they are not present in a meeting. 

The teams will have to use an active video plan. Also, users can easily make their calls from a list of contacts and can see if anyone is available to take a call before accepting it.

For many headsets and speakerphones, this feature will work without user action beyond pairing the device with the PC. Microsoft 365 roadmap page says that additional information is coming soon.

Text predictions

In addition to this feature, Microsoft Teams is gaining support for artificial intelligence-powered text predictions on mobile devices. 

By using AI and machine learning to predict the most likely words and phrases that users will type next, Microsoft believes that its Teams app will allow users to complete messages much faster than before. The feature is scheduled to reach general availability soon.

If you’re not familiar with text predictions, they’re a feature that predicts what you might want to talk about before you even type it out. You can tap on the predicted word or phrase and it will suggest a response for you.

Users can also customize which suggestions appear in the app, including those related to tasks like searching for files and emails. 

The new feature will make it easier for users to not only chat with their team members but also get instant answers to questions posed by their coworkers. 

With the expanded support, Microsoft is hoping to increase the usage of its apps among businesses in order to boost their productivity.

Microsoft Teams for Android is the first client to be upgraded with predictive typing, but it is likely that iOS and desktop users will also get this feature soon as well.

Can Bluetooth call controls and text predictions increase your productivity at work? Let us know in the comments section below.