Microsoft is retiring Teams' Together Mode

"Microsoft launched Teams' Together Mode during the pandemic to give the illusion of a bunch of people sitting in a conference room together, even if they were really sitting at home without pants on. But times have changed, and it's now being retired in favor of a more simplified Teams experience."

"The feature used AI to cut your head and shoulds out, and place you in a virtual space with others in the meeting. It could definitely feel gimmicky - especially when you'd tap co-workers on the shoulder, or give virtual high fives - but it did limit visual distractions."

"As they are, the Together Mode toggle will disappear from the view menu. And Together-specific features, such as scenes and seat assignments, will go along with it. Part of the reasoning, according to Microsoft, is to reduce fragmentation across various platforms. But it also cites a streamlined interface with fewer options, less clicking, and less confusion."

"It also says this will allow the company to focus on improving video quality, stability, and performance."

Together Mode used AI to crop participants’ heads and place them into a shared virtual room with others in the meeting. The feature could feel gimmicky, including interactions like tapping coworkers on the shoulder or giving virtual high fives, while also reducing visual distractions. The rollout is gradual, and the Together Mode toggle will disappear from the view menu. Together-specific features such as scenes and seat assignments will also be removed. Microsoft cites reduced fragmentation across platforms and a streamlined interface with fewer options, less clicking, and less confusion. The change also enables focus on improving video quality, stability, and performance.

Read at The Verge