Microsoft Teams' revamped version is finally here

If you’re a Microsoft Teams user, get ready for some exciting news. Yesterday, Microsoft unveiled a revamped version of its Teams app for both Windows PCs and Macs, promising users a faster experience while utilizing significantly fewer system resources.

The initial preview of this upgraded app was released for Windows in March, but this final release caters to all Teams users. It not only reintroduces features like breakout rooms and third-party app support but also extends its support to macOS, ensuring a seamless experience across various platforms.

One of the standout features of this new Teams app is its remarkable improvement in performance and reduction in disk space usage, particularly on Windows PCs. According to Microsoft, this reimagined version of Teams is now “up to two times faster while using 50 percent less memory” on Windows systems. For many office workers around the globe using older or less powerful computers, this announcement comes as a breath of fresh air.

Microsoft attributes this significant improvement to its Edge WebView2 backend, which has played a crucial role in enhancing performance and reducing disk usage on Windows. This achievement is partly due to WebView2’s ability to leverage existing system files and the runtime shared with the Edge browser integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 11.

In the past, Teams, like other communication apps such as Slack and Discord, utilized the Electron framework. Unlike WebView2, Electron apps included their own standalone version of browser files, necessitating separate storage and updates for each app.

While Mac users won’t experience the same level of enhancement as their Windows counterparts due to the absence of built-in Edge WebView2 files, Microsoft assures them of improved performance. The new app aims to facilitate faster channel switching, smoother scrolling, efficient utilization of device resources, and optimized Teams experiences, even for users employing multiple high-resolution monitors during calls or meetings.

For existing Teams users, the transition to the upgraded app is effortless, with a simple toggle in the upper-left corner facilitating the switch. Microsoft plans to automatically upgrade all current Teams users to the new version over the next few months.

However, Microsoft’s Teams development hasn’t been without its challenges. The company has faced scrutiny for bundling Teams with other products. Responding to complaints and regulatory investigations, Microsoft has untangled Teams from its other Microsoft 365 offerings in Europe. Furthermore, the version of Teams integrated into Windows 11, previously present on the default taskbar, is set to be removed from the OS starting this fall.

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