First Look At Revamped Microsoft Teams 2.0

Microsoft will fundamentally overhaul its desktop client for teams. Thanks to the Chromium-based Edge WebView 2, the performance and scaling of the app should be improved. “Teams 2.0” should appear soon and exclusively for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

While the previously available Electron app from Microsoft Teams is not exactly known for its high speed, then switch to the Chromium-based Edge WebView 2 including React.js should bring significant improvements in terms of performance. In a leaked, early preview version, the changes should already be noticeable, as the colleagues from Windows Latest report on their experiences with “Teams 2.0”. Changes to the design or the functions are not expected so far.

Working on memory and performance improvement

The first tests show that teams now react much faster and seem to run smoothly on entry-level systems with Intel Core i3 processors and 4 GB of RAM. Microsoft is also said to have reduced memory usage with Teams 2.0 and the WebView integration including various edge background processes ensure that the popular communication tool from Redmond starts almost immediately and without great loading times. Furthermore, all Windows integrations (e.g. native notifications) are activated with Teams 2.0, which also applies to the new chat app in the Windows 11 taskbar.

The colleagues also positively mention the improved scaling options. The interface adapts to different window sizes much better and, above all, automatically, which was previously not possible with the current Electron app from Teams. The leaked preview of Teams 2.0 also lacks some functions. The “Together mode” is restricted and settings for noise suppression cannot be adjusted. There is also a lack of support for PowerPoint and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.

Official preview expected in few weeks

Similar to the first Windows 11 leak, it can be assumed that the Redmond-based company will officially present a much more extensive preview version of the new Teams app in the coming weeks. For the time being, compatibility is only guaranteed for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is not yet known whether and when Microsoft will provide a suitable version for Apple macOS and Linux.