Microsoft Teams introduces AI-driven features to improve audio and video quality in online meetings, addressing common issues like echo, poor acoustics, and background noise suppression.

As the world adapts to a new normal, we are witnessing an unprecedented growth in online meetings and calls. With this surge comes the need for better quality communication tools to ensure seamless collaboration. That's where AI and machine learning come in, offering innovative solutions to enhance the user experience in virtual meetings. Microsoft Teams is leading the way with groundbreaking features, making online communication more efficient and user-friendly. One of the major issues faced during online calls is the disruptive echo effect caused when a participant's microphone is too close to their speaker. Microsoft Teams now uses AI to recognize the difference between sound from a speaker and the user’s voice, eliminating the echo without suppressing speech or hindering multiple parties from speaking at the same time. In addition, Microsoft Teams is addressing poor room acoustics, using a machine learning model to convert captured audio signals to sound as if users are speaking into a close-range microphone. Another breakthrough feature is the introduction of full-duplex audio transmission, which allows users to speak and hear others at the same time, facilitating more natural conversation. Microsoft Teams uses a model trained with 30,000 hours of speech samples to retain desired voices while suppressing unwanted audio signals, resulting in more fluid dialogue. Furthermore, the platform has improved its background noise suppression feature, making it the default option for Windows, Mac, and iOS users. With these AI-driven enhancements, Microsoft Teams is revolutionizing the online meeting experience, setting a new standard for communication and collaboration in the digital age. As these features become widely available in the coming months, users can look forward to a more seamless, efficient, and enjoyable virtual meeting experience.