Teams is one of the most popular communication and collaboration platforms in the world. Microsoft has already warned that Teams could end up being more popular than Windows itself. The fact that it is used in business does not indicate that it cannot have a touch of fun and creativity. For this reason, Microsoft has announced a new integration with Snapchat, the social network known for its augmented reality filters called Lenses.
Snapchat lenses are effects that are applied to the camera image that can transform the appearance of people or the environment with virtual elements. For example, there are lenses that put a cat on the head, a sloth on the shoulder, or sunglasses on the face. There are also lenses that change hair color, skin tone or the shape of the nose.
Microsoft Teams now lets you use these Snapchat lenses in video calls, one-to-one and in groups, to bring more vibrancy and personalization to meetings. According to Microsoft, this integration aims to improve the user experience and promote human connection in a remote work context.
How to Enable Snapchat Lenses in Microsoft Teams
To use Snapchat Lenses in Microsoft Teams, there is no need to download any additional apps or plugins, as Microsoft has integrated Lenses directly into the video effects section of the Teams client. Of course, it must be taken into account that this function is only available for users of Teams for Work, that is, those who use Teams for professional purposes. Also, you should be using the classic version of Teams and not the new preview version released by Microsoft last month.
To activate Snapchat Lenses before joining a meeting, follow these steps:
- Click on “Video Effects”
- Then in “More video effects”
- Scroll down the right panel and select “Snapchat” under the “Filters” category
- Scroll down to see all lenses available and select your favorite
- Click “Register Now”
Once inside the meeting, the Lens can be changed at any time by clicking on the camera icon and then on “Video effects”. You can also deactivate the lens by clicking on “No filter”.
Microsoft has added more than 20 Snapchat lenses to Microsoft Teams, including some classic ones like the puking rainbow or the dog with a tongue. There are also exclusive Teams glasses, like the one with the Microsoft logo or the one with the hat with headphones.
Snapchat’s integration with Microsoft Teams comes months after Snap shut down its Camera app, allowing similar filters to be applied in Teams and Zoom. Snap Camera launched in 2018 and was primarily designed for streaming on Twitch, but the pandemic surge in video calling has seen it grow in popularity and create viral moments like a boss turned potato in a meeting team Microsoft Teams.
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