Finally, Microsoft will save you from the embarrassment of raising your hand unintentionally in Teams.

      Digital Trends may receive a commission if you make a purchase through links on our website. Why should you trust us?

      Microsoft is relocating the raise hand button to prevent accidental presses.

      If you've ever inadvertently raised your hand during a Microsoft Teams meeting, you're familiar with the awkwardness that follows. Suddenly, all eyes are on you, and you can't help but fumble to unmute and explain it was a mistake.

      In response, Microsoft has decided to move the raise hand button away from the main toolbar. The company is also planning a major redesign of the Teams meeting toolbar, which is expected to be available on desktop and macOS in June 2026.

      Starting a support group for those who have mistakenly raised their hands during a Teams meeting 🖐️— Microsoft 365 (@Microsoft365) September 12, 2024

      How will Microsoft Teams address the accidental raise hand problem?

      The update, noted on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap with ID 560321, will relocate the Raise Hand button from the main toolbar to beneath the Reactions button. This change is crucial since the two options can easily be confused at a glance.

      Inadvertently clicking Raise Hand instead of sending an emoji reaction is a surprisingly frequent annoyance for Teams users. Additionally, the Leave button will have its own distinct area on the right side of the meeting window, which should help prevent unintended exits and the frantic search for buttons at the end of calls.

      Will users be able to customize the new Microsoft Teams meeting toolbar?

      Yes, this is another significant aspect of the update. Users will have the ability to pin, unpin, and rearrange controls on the meeting toolbar according to their workflow. However, Microsoft has not yet released any visuals of the new toolbar. The company recognizes that this change may take some getting accustomed to, stating it “may feel different at first.”

      Microsoft is also focusing on further enhancements for Teams. A pre-join microphone and speaker test is reportedly in development, allowing users to record a brief audio clip and listen to it before entering a call, so they won't be the one asking “can everyone hear me?” at the start of every meeting.

      Manisha covers technology that impacts daily life, from smartphones and apps to gaming and streaming...

      Framework Laptop 16 receives an improved touchpad, a fresh design, and an innovative eGPU feature.

      The most customizable laptop has just been enhanced, and that's quite impressive. Framework isn't solely concentrating on its new Laptop 13 Pro; the company is also implementing a robust set of updates to the Framework Laptop 16, which has been one of the top choices in laptops. The most notable improvement addresses all the issues that previous Framework 16 owners have raised since its launch two years ago.

      The primary upgrade is a new one-piece haptic touchpad. One of the downsides of the Laptop 16's modular input system has been the visible seams around the touchpad region.

      Framework Laptop 13 Pro emerges as the repairable MacBook Pro alternative that Linux users have been anticipating.

      The laptop that offers self-repair options has now become the one you actually desire. Framework has been fine-tuning its modular laptop approach for six years, and the new Framework Laptop 13 Pro may be nearing its optimal version. This is a completely redesigned product that addresses the primary concerns of users, beginning with battery life, and the improvements don't stop there.

      Does it truly surpass a MacBook Pro in battery performance?

      Researchers reveal that chatbots are becoming overly emotional, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

      Science indicates that your chatbot's expressions of empathy are more likely to frustrate rather than alleviate annoyance. When a customer service representative says, "I completely understand your frustration," it feels appropriate. However, when a chatbot utters the same phrase, it feels off. A recent study published in MIS Quarterly confirms this intuition with empirical evidence.