- Microsoft Teams personal launches with features tailored to friends and family.
- The service is available on iOS, Android, web, and desktop.
- The Teams app includes virtually the same features as the business version, including Together mode and group chats via SMS.
Microsoft is finally launching the consumer version of Microsoft Teams for family and friends. The new free version of the communication solution is virtually the same as the business version of Microsoft Teams, and it allows home users to text, video call, share files, calendar, tasks, and locations from a single user-friendly interface.
The service is available on the web, mobile (Android and iOS), and on computers with the desktop app.
Using the service, you can engage on video calls with up to 300 people that can last up to 24 hours, but after the pandemic, the calls will be limited to 60 minutes for group calls up to 100 people. However, the company will continue to offer up to 24 hours for two people video calls.
In addition, Microsoft is making available features like Together mode for the personal version of Teams. This feature uses AI to put people in a virtual scene, such as a coffee shop, family lounge, or summer resort, to make the call more engaging and entertaining.
Another exciting feature is using SMS in group chats for those not yet using Microsoft Teams. However, this feature is currently limited to the US and Canada. Microsoft plans to bring more features to this version, including a polling feature is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
If you are already using Microsoft Teams at work, you can start using the personal version of the service by adding your personal account directly into the app.
Although Microsoft Teams has been proven to be an essential communication and collaboration tool for the workplace, the software giant hopes that consumers will also find the service helpful to communicate and collaborate with family and friends. However, the company is not commenting on whether this new service will eventually replace Skype.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.