Microsoft is pulling the plug on the “Together” mode in Teams, a feature that placed meeting attendees in a single virtual room. Instead, the tech giant is encouraging users to switch to the Gallery view. According to Microsoft, Together mode increases cognitive load for users and complicates implementation across different platforms, which has led to its decision to phase out the feature.
### Understanding the “Together” Mode
Launched in 2020, Together mode was Microsoft’s response to the challenges of remote work during the pandemic. It aimed to recreate the feel of a physical meeting by placing attendees in a virtual auditorium, coffee shop, or other themed environments. The idea was to foster a sense of collective presence and reduce the isolation often felt in video calls.
However, the reception of Together mode was mixed. While some users appreciated the novel approach, others found it distracting or even gimmicky. The feature’s reliance on AI to crop and place participants accurately also meant that it required more computing power, which could be a hurdle for users with less capable devices. By pushing users towards the more conventional Gallery view, Microsoft is simplifying the user experience and focusing on reliability and accessibility.
### Competitive Context
The decision to eliminate Together mode comes amid fierce competition in the video conferencing market. Rivals like Zoom, Google Meet, and Cisco Webex have been enhancing their offerings with features that prioritize stability and ease of use. Zoom’s immersive view, which offers a similar experience to Together mode, has been positioned more as a novelty rather than a core feature.
In this competitive landscape, Microsoft appears to be aligning Teams with user preferences for straightforward, uncomplicated interfaces. As many organizations continue to adopt hybrid work models, the demand for intuitive and efficient virtual meeting tools remains high. By streamlining its feature set, Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in a crowded market where user experience can be a pivotal factor.
### Implications for Founders and Engineers
For founders and engineers, Microsoft’s decision highlights the importance of user feedback and the need to balance innovation with practicality. The retirement of Together mode serves as a reminder that not all features resonate with users, and maintaining focus on core functionalities can be more beneficial than offering a plethora of options that complicate the user experience.
Engineers working on conferencing solutions should pay attention to the cognitive load that their features impose on users. Microsoft’s move suggests that simplifying user interfaces and ensuring cross-platform compatibility can be more valuable than adding flashy features that may not deliver tangible benefits. For startups in the video conferencing space, this could be an opportunity to double down on optimizing the stability and efficiency of their core offerings rather than chasing after the next big thing.
### What Happens Next
As Microsoft phases out Together mode, users can expect a more streamlined Teams experience focused on simplicity and functionality. The transition to Gallery view is set to be gradual, ensuring that organizations have ample time to adapt. For founders and engineers, the lesson is clear: prioritize user needs and focus on enhancing the core experience. By doing so, they can better meet the demands of an ever-evolving digital workplace.
