In November, Microsoft will begin testing a major update to its Teams interface, designed to help users streamline and organize their communication. Available first to public preview users, this new setup will allow Teams to consolidate channels, teams, and private chats into a single, comprehensive feed. This new feature is entirely optional, meaning users can choose to adopt this consolidated view or stick with the traditional layout.
What sets this interface apart is its flexibility. Users can filter the combined feed to display only specific message types, like channel messages or tagged mentions, making it easier to focus on relevant content. For those who prefer to keep chats and channels separate, this remains an option, too. Another notable addition is the ability to group different channels, chats, meetings, and even Teams bots or AI tools into custom categories. Unlike an AI-generated structure, this customizable grouping feature allows users to create workflows that best suit their own needs, which can improve productivity and make finding information easier.
The update also maintains the favorites section, carrying over pinned chats and channels from the current Teams experience, so users can quickly access their most important conversations. Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce threaded conversations in Teams this quarter, a feature expected to organize discussions more effectively and scheduled for wider release by mid-2025.
Microsoft’s approach appears to address user concerns about sudden UI changes by providing flexible options for this new interface. By giving users the freedom to toggle between the new feed and the familiar interface, this update could make transitioning to a new workflow smoother and more adaptable to individual needs.