Microsoft Teams puts sign language front and center

Update coming to Microsoft Teams Looking to help the hearing impaired better participate in online meetings.

is similar to Last zoom updateA new sign language display feature allows Microsoft Teams users to choose up to two other video feeds to center in the app, making sign language interpreters more visible throughout the entire meeting.

Microsoft Says (Opens in a new tab) That feed gets bigger than others and stays in high resolution for the clearest view possible, and it’s client-side only, so users will be the only ones who can see the view, as other participants will have their own view. If someone shares content during the meeting, the location video will be moved to the side with everyone else, but will maintain a larger aspect ratio. Other participants can still be highlighted and the compiler won’t take up a ton of space either.

Display enabled

A sign language offering will arrive on Microsoft Teams for both desktop and browser sometime in December, according to an entry in Microsoft 365 Roadmap (Opens in a new tab).

Users can join Teams’ Public preview program (Opens in a new tab) to experience the feature; However, be aware that the preview is on a per user basis and if you are one of the lucky few, Microsoft has set of instructions (Opens in a new tab) About how to run the show.

Sign language display can be enabled for all meetings or on a case-by-case basis. Interpreters who work for the same company as you can be pre-assigned before a meeting, something you can do via the settings menu. This way, when you enter a meeting with a translator, the view will actually be activated.

Signers can be added in the middle of a meeting using the Manage signers button in the new accessibility pane. Clicking the button allows you to assign a participant as an interpreter by simply typing in their name. And with the pane, you can also switch between showing sign language and live captioning in the middle of a meeting.

growing difference

Microsoft has been churning out a lot of new features for Teams in recent months, and it’s a bit difficult to keep track of them all. For example, file The company recently sold out the games in the podium as a way to build camaraderie among team members. You have basic titles like Solitaire and Minesweeper, but you also have more interactive games like Kahoot.

As for what comes next, we recommend checking out TechRadar’s coverage of future additions coming to Teams. There are many. First, the platform is slated to acquire a Performance boost, although it is not known exactly when. go to the Premium version of Teams will enter first preview in December 2022, adding AI to help transcribe meetings in 40 different languages ​​and “advanced security features,” among other things.

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