Date:
August 21, 2024
Users of Microsoft Teams can now access both personal and work dashboards through a unified Microsoft Teams application.
Microsoft has been struggling with a complicated service offering of Microsoft Teams for its personal and professional users. Till now, Windows and MAC dwellers have had to install two separate Microsoft Teams apps to access them for personal use and work meetings. The tech giant has finally launched a solution to this long-due challenge for its global user base. Microsoft Teams is now available to download as a unified platform for access to personal, professional, and educational purposes.
The new unified platform has been in the testing phase for over a year, and the tease has created a controversial status for the company. The new application, which started yesterday, is available across the globe for all Windows and MAC users.
“You can also join as a guest without signing in. Whether you’re joining a call to connect with a customer or discuss your school’s fall fundraiser, simply select your preferred account the moment you join the meeting.”
- Amit Fulay (Vice President of products at Microsoft)
Microsoft has a messy history of complicating access to Microsoft Teams by randomly adding and removing new features, add-ons, and UX updates. Earlier, Windows 11 integrated Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, but it was made available only for personal use. This left business teams and work-focused users unable to access the quick launch feature. The company then abruptly removed it from the taskbar in its next update, leaving the ones who adopted it stranded.
The personal Microsoft Teams application was free, and the professional/educational version was paid. However, similar logos and Favicons led to huge confusion for those who had to install and use both versions. With the new unified platform, users can simply switch from the personal interface to the professional one as if they are switching social media accounts.
Users who have already installed Microsoft Teams will be automatically upgraded to the new version. Users with both applications installed will also get the upgrade, and all the data will automatically be sorted into the new dashboard. The tech giant has also improved the segregation of personal and work notifications. The general user experience of the platform has also significantly improved, which will surely raise its consumers’ satisfaction index.
