In Windows 11 preview builds, Microsoft is testing a redesigned
version of Microsoft Teams called Microsoft Teams 2.0 for its
desktop platform.
Unlike the current desktop client,
Microsoft Teams 2.0 is based on Edge WebView2 and it uses
Chromium rendering engine along with web technologies such as
HTML, CSS and JavaScript. For Teams 2.0, Microsoft has dropped
the Angular and Electron framework. Instead, it will now use
the front-end JavaScript library React.js which is also
open-source.
As part of the Teams 2.0 update, Microsoft appears to be
testing a new messaging feature called “quoted replies”. This
will allow you to respond to specific messages or quote your
own message in the response. Quoted reply feature is available
on all social media platforms except Teams desktop, and it can
improve the overall messaging experience.
As you can see in the above screenshot, the option shows up
when you right-click on any message. You can also hover over it
and click the three dots to access the “Reply” option. It works
for all messages including those sent by you.
The quoted reply feature is nothing new in the messaging or
collaboration tools, but the feature has been missing from the
Teams desktop client. In a roadmap update, Microsoft previously
confirmed that quoted replies will come to the existing
Electron client, but this feature is nowhere to be seen yet.
Other improvements with Microsoft Teams 2.0
Microsoft Teams 2.0 was also updated with advanced features and
general improvements last week.
After the update, it is now possible to start calls directly
from the taskbar. The one-to-one and group audio and video
calling feature is powered entirely by Microsoft Edge WebView,
and Microsoft has promised more features will be added in the
coming updates. For now, users can start or join conversations,
create and join meetings.
Users can also toggle their microphone and camera on or off,
and manage the meeting settings like preferred speakers, mic,
and camera. Similarly, Microsoft Teams 2.0 has also been
updated with support for screen sharing, roaster menu for
participants, ability to admit meeting participants, gallery
view, and more.
These features were missing in the initial preview, but they’re
now enabled in
Build 22000.132. Microsoft Teams 2.0 can be updated
automatically via the server and Microsoft Store on Windows
11/10.
Teams 2.0 is currently exclusive to personal accounts.
