Microsoft is discontinuing the Together Mode in Teams to introduce a cleaner and more streamlined alternative.

      Teams is discontinuing Together Mode in favor of more practical layouts for users.

      Microsoft Teams is phasing out one of its most recognizable meeting features, and this change may be beneficial. The company revealed that Together Mode will be discontinued as it moves toward a more straightforward set of meeting layouts.

      Together Mode was launched during the surge of video calls in the pandemic, placing participants in shared virtual settings like auditoriums or classrooms. While it was a charming concept, it never became the standard meeting view for most users.

      Reasons for the removal of Together Mode

      According to Microsoft’s official statement, this change aims to simplify meeting layouts and enhance user experience in Teams. Instead of maintaining Together Mode as a distinct feature, Teams is refining layout options based on real meeting dynamics. The new setup will introduce a cleaner Gallery layout and more streamlined views for scenarios where someone is presenting or sharing content.

      The primary goal is to reduce clutter and make the meeting interface more comprehensible at a glance while eliminating the need to choose from various visual modes. Together Mode was most effective when all participants had their cameras on and the number of attendees was just right, ultimately making it feel more like a novelty than a practical default.

      This update coincides with other changes being implemented on the platform, including a new microphone testing feature and a privacy-focused Copilot recap. Microsoft has also recently repositioned the raise hand button to prevent accidental clicks.

      Microsoft aims for cleaner meeting visuals

      The new layout strategy appears to be more pragmatic. Microsoft is working to create a more consistent experience across different meeting scenarios. Whether it's a video-heavy call, a presentation, or shared slides, the revamped look should feel more intuitive and less visually overwhelming. Teams meetings can become quite cluttered with participant tiles, chat, reactions, and additional elements.

      While Together Mode may have had its niche appeal, Microsoft is opting for a solution that is less distracting.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience specializing in consumer hardware.

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