Microsoft Teams introduces threads and a strange new feature

Microsoft Teams has become a cornerstone for communication and collaboration, especially for organizations embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. The platform continually evolves with regular updates, and the latest enhancements have now entered public preview, signaling exciting advancements for users.

New Features Unveiled in Microsoft Teams

In a comprehensive blog post, Microsoft announced a significant update: threaded views for conversations within channels. This feature mirrors functionalities found in other popular messaging platforms such as Slack and Discord, where responses to previous messages are compactly organized in threads. Users can send replies directly to the main conversation view, ensuring important messages retain visibility. Additionally, users have the option to follow specific threads they are engaged in, allowing for smooth context-switching, while the ability to unfollow threads helps maintain focus on relevant discussions.

Threads layout in Microsoft Teams in a GIF

Enhanced Functionality and Weird Workflows

Beyond threaded conversations, Teams is rolling out several other enhancements currently available in public preview. Users can now react to messages using various emoji, an upgrade that enriches interaction and engagement. Additionally, slash commands have been refined for improved functionality, while keyboard shortcuts can be personalized according to user preferences.

One particularly unconventional feature is the ability to initiate workflows through emoji reactions. For instance, reacting with the ❗️ emoji can set off a workflow that automatically generates a helpdesk ticket. This automation could significantly optimize processes; however, there’s a risk of inadvertently triggering workflows through a mere slip of the finger. It’s crucial to point out that leveraging this feature requires the Workflows app within Teams.

What Lies Ahead for Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has indicated that even more features are on the horizon for Teams users. Anticipation is building as more updates are expected to be revealed in the upcoming weeks, promising to further enhance collaboration experiences within the platform.

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