Microsoft is making Teams even more powerful with some game-changing AI updates, starting with real-time language translation in meetings. Announced at the Ignite 2024 conference, this feature is set to break down language barriers and make virtual meetings more inclusive.
By using AI-powered speech-to-speech translation, participants can speak and listen in the language of their choice, all while keeping their own voice tone. The feature will support up to nine languages at launch, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese. Early access to this tool will be available in 2025.
But that’s not all—Teams will also get a transcription tool that supports multilingual meetings, offering transcripts in up to 31 languages. This will make it easier for everyone to follow along, regardless of their native tongue.
Additionally, Microsoft is testing features to provide meeting notes, automate project management tasks, and even summarize visuals shared during meetings, like PowerPoint slides.
Another cool addition is the Employee Self-Service Agent in Teams’ Business Chat, helping employees with IT or HR requests like ordering a new laptop or learning about company perks.
Microsoft is clearly gearing up to make Teams not just a meeting tool, but an all-in-one assistant for both personal and professional use.
