Microsoft 365: New hybrid work innovations

Microsoft Inspire 2021

Registration is now open for Microsoft Inspire, which will be held virtually from July 14-15, 2021!
This is Microsoft’s largest partner event of the year. This will be a great opportunity to learn from and industry leaders and experts from around the world.
Microsoft Inspire also presents a chance to connect with Microsoft executives, including Satya Nadella, CEO; Judson Althoff, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Customer and Partner Solutions; Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Security, Compliance and Identity; and Nick Parker, CVP, Global Partner Solutions.
You can register now for Microsoft Inspire 2021 here.

New Teams updates

With hybrid work being the new normal, Microsoft is updating their software to meet the new demands that a hybrid work environment brings.

Front Row for Teams Rooms – This is an immersive room layout that will make interactions feel more natural and give in-room participants a greater sense of connections to the remote participants. The video gallery to the bottom of the screen so remote participants are face-to-face with those in the room.

New video layouts - The video gallery is dispersed across multiple displays when content isn’t shared. The increased space means remote participants show up larger and more true to life.

Microsoft Whiteboard designed for Hybrid Work

Real-time collaboration is being made easier with a number of new features such.

Collaboration Cursors show where and what other collaborators are doing on the whiteboard.
Laser Pointer help to get other peoples attention.
New White board templates help you to get started with the most common scenarios such as problem-solving, planning and workshops.

Interactive content
Collaboration powered by rich content is a key part of the new Whiteboard experience. This allows everyone to contribute in the way that best suits their idea, device type, or personal preference. Combine shapes, lines, text and ink to create Collaborative Diagrams. Make connections, annotate, and iterate together across multiple types of content with the new Insert Image and Document capabilities. Organize related thoughts, ideas or solutions in an auto-layout grid with Notes Grid. Provide lightweight, contextual feedback via a range of engaging and fun Reaction Stickers. Collaborate across apps by bringing in Fluid Components like tables or task lists.

Improved inking experience
Digital ink is an important part of whiteboarding, whether used to express your own ideas or to comment and annotate on others’ ideas. Improved Mouse Inking smoothes ink, making it easier than ever for those with a mouse or trackpad to visually communicate ideas that are hard to write in words. Pen Support for Whiteboard in Teams allows you to ink automatically or get the unique benefits of using a pen, such as the tail eraser. Quickly draw shapes and watch them automatically straighten with Shape Recognition. Spark the imagination and creativity of your team with Rainbow & Galaxy Ink.

Improved integration into Microsoft 365
The new Whiteboard is now integrated into even more areas across Microsoft 365 to more seamlessly fit into your existing workflows. Whiteboard is now available in Teams Channels & Chats. The new Share Content experience in Teams Meetings allows you to easily start a collaborative whiteboard for everyone in the meeting with just one click. Pre-prep or reuse whiteboards across multiple Teams Meetings with the new Open Existing Board functionality. Search and discover whiteboards on Office.com and SharePoint, and leverage the rich content management features of OneDrive for Business.