Microsoft is preparing to launch a new version of Microsoft Teams next month that has been rebuilt from the ground up to dramatically improve system resource usage on PCs. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell that the software giant has recently begun extensively testing this new version of Teams within Microsoft, with plans to roll out a preview to users in March.
Known as Microsoft Teams 2.0 or 2.1 internally, the company has been working on this new version for years. The app should use 50 percent less memory, should tax the CPU less, and result in better battery life on laptops.
Microsoft has already shown parts of the new version of the Teams experience included for consumers in Windows 11. This new app moves Teams away from Electron technology and into Microsoft Edge Webview2 technology. Microsoft has also moved to React, a Javascript library that will provide more UI improvements to Teams in the coming months.
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In a Twitter thread detailing the company’s initial improvements to Microsoft Teams in Windows 11 in 2021, former head of education app engineering Rish Tandon said Microsoft’s new architecture will be key to future Teams improvements. Tandon said“This architecture will help us add support for multiple accounts, work-life scenarios, release predictability, and expand customer reach.” “It’s going to be a journey but with Windows 11, we’ve taken the first major steps.”
The improvements should mean that the Microsoft Teams app opens faster or should feel more responsive when you present to it by sharing a screen in a meeting, or when you respond to messages. The new Teams app should address many of the criticisms and complaints about its performance, particularly on older laptops.
Microsoft is currently planning to release a preview of its new app to Teams users in late March, which includes the option to switch back to the current version of the app if needed.