Microsoft Teams Introduces Audio Recap Feature
Microsoft is enhancing the user experience of its Teams platform with a new audio recap feature. This functionality enables users to receive summaries of their meetings in a podcast-style format. Currently, this feature is accessible to participants who are part of the Teams Public Preview or users enrolled in the Microsoft 365 Targeted release program.
AI-Generated Meeting Summaries
It’s important to note that the audio recaps are generated using artificial intelligence. While this advanced technology offers innovative capabilities, Microsoft has cautioned users to be mindful of potential inaccuracies or “hallucinations” in the summaries. The specifics of the AI model in use have not been disclosed, leaving some speculation that it may involve large language models like GPT-5 or proprietary algorithms developed by Microsoft.
Multiple Meetings, Multiple Formats
This new feature is designed to enhance meeting efficiency, allowing users to merge up to eight different transcripts into a single audio recap. The audio summaries are produced in three distinct styles:
- Executive: A two-host format emphasizing strategic insights.
- Newscast: A single-host presentation focused on factual information.
- Casual: A conversational dual-host style for a more relaxed experience.
How to Access the Feature
If you’re using Windows, Mac, or the web version of Teams, accessing the audio recap is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open Teams and locate the specific meeting in your chat history.
- Select Meeting details, followed by Recap, and then click on Audio recap.
- You can also find the option within the Meet app in the Apps menu.
On the generation page, users can select the timeframe and transcripts they wish to include. After selecting your preferred style, simply click Generate to create the audio file.
Listening Experience
Once generated, you can play, pause, and skip through the audio recap. Users also have the option to adjust the playback speed. Alongside this feature, full transcripts of the podcast are made available for those who prefer reading over listening.
Mobile Access
The process for mobile users on Android or iOS is quite similar. By navigating to the meeting’s Recap page, you can tap a new headphone icon in the top corner to get started. Alternatively, this icon is also accessible directly from the Calendar tab, allowing easy access to begin a new recap from scratch.
Manage Your Recaps
All previously generated audio recaps can be accessed through the Audio recaps menu, allowing you to revisit them at any time. For desktop users, a Listen on phone option is available, providing a QR code that you can scan with your mobile device to continue where you left off.
Currently, the audio recap feature supports English language only, but Microsoft has indicated that additional languages will be introduced in the future. To utilize this feature, ensure you have the updated Teams client on your selected platform, whether it be Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or the web.
For more details, check it out here.
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