During the pandemic, Microsoft introduced a novel feature to its Teams platform known as Together Mode. This innovation aimed to replicate the feel of sitting side-by-side in a conference room, even when participants were comfortably—and humorously—working from their homes. However, as the world adjusts to new norms, Microsoft is phasing out this feature to offer a more streamlined Teams experience. Together Mode utilized AI to crop participants’ heads and shoulders, placing them within a virtual meeting space. While it provided some fun, such as virtual high fives and shoulder taps, it ultimately served to reduce visual distractions.
As the transition unfolds, users will notice the Together Mode toggle vanishing from the view menu, along with its unique elements like scene customization and seat assignments. Microsoft cites several reasons for this change, including the desire to unify the experience across different platforms and simplify the user interface. By reducing complexity, the company hopes to enhance video quality, stability, and overall performance, making the platform more efficient and less cluttered.
