Brandon Fletcher
In response to the evolving workplace dynamics post-pandemic, Microsoft has decided to discontinue the “Together” feature in Teams, originally launched in 2020 to simulate a shared workspace for remote employees. As organizations transition back to in-person collaboration, Microsoft is shifting focus towards the Gallery mode, aiming to enhance user experience and video quality. This transition is expected to simplify the platform’s functionality while addressing performance issues.
Microsoft cited that the Together mode “increases cognitive load for users” and complicates implementation across various devices. It was noted that this feature could lead to a suboptimal video experience, particularly on mobile devices and those with limited processing capabilities.
In contrast, Gallery mode is designed to provide a smoother video experience on less powerful devices by adapting the number of video tiles displayed dynamically. This approach not only streamlines the meeting interface but also allows Microsoft to allocate resources toward enhancements such as “super-resolution, denoising, and improved color accuracy.”
Users have often expressed dissatisfaction with Teams, frequently citing performance issues and the platform’s complexity as primary concerns. By eliminating the Together mode, Microsoft has the opportunity to address these significant pain points, provided that the company commits to implementing the foundational video improvements it has promised.
Daniel Mercer
