Jonathan Dame

Microsoft is adding multiwindow support to Teams. The feature will let users open chats, calls and video meetings in a separate window, to help with multitasking.

Facebook plans to launch Workplace Rooms, a new video conferencing service for business customers, in June. However, the product falls short of competitors on features.

Google has added its new Chat messaging service to Gmail. All businesses can now opt to migrate users from the older Hangouts messaging service to the new tool.

Cisco plans to add virtual backgrounds on the desktop version of Webex, as well as the ability to set up breakout rooms and waiting rooms within the app. The features, scheduled over the next couple of months, will bring Webex more on par with Zoom.

Slack has expanded the capacity of shared channels to entice more businesses to use its messaging app for communicating outside company boundaries. But users will have to wait for other enhancements to external collaboration in Slack.

Microsoft will launch a 7x7 video layout in Teams for all users by the end of August. The company also previewed several other enhancements to the collaboration app, including a new immersive meeting experience called ‘together mode.’

Slack’s acquisition of directory startup Rimeto could help the company turn its platform into a social network. Slack could use the directory tool to promote internal and external connections on Slack.

A new Gmail interface unifies G Suite’s collaboration tools in a single interface. The update will add tabs for Google Chat and Google Meet to the email app.

A walkie-talkie feature for Microsoft Teams is now available in public preview on Android mobile devices. It’s one of several new tools targeted at frontline workers, such as delivery drivers and plumbers.

A redesigned Yammer interface makes the product look and feel more like a consumer social media app. Microsoft has also integrated Yammer more closely with Teams and Outlook.