Microsoft Teams will incorporate threads and combined chats in channels.
In 2025, threaded conversations will be introduced in Teams.
Microsoft is finally incorporating threaded conversations into its Teams communication app. Although this feature won't be available until mid-2025, the company will unify chat and channel interfaces into a single view before that date. This change, which was previously revealed, will be available in public preview starting in November.
Jeff Teper, president of collaborative apps and platforms at Microsoft, noted that "we have redesigned the chat and channel experience to simplify your digital workspace, integrating chats, teams, and channels into one place under Chat." This approach aims to optimize workflow, making it easier to access and organize conversations.
The new interface addresses one of the main criticisms of Teams regarding messaging, eliminating the need to switch between different sections to catch up on messages. Users will be able to configure this new section to keep chats and channels separate or create custom sections that group conversations and projects.
Additionally, a favorites section will be introduced where pinned chats and channels will appear. Microsoft will also implement new controls that allow users to choose to view message previews, lists of all channels, and timestamps. A new mentions view will highlight conversations in which the user has been mentioned, whether in direct messages or channels.
This new Microsoft Teams interface will be available in desktop and mobile apps in public preview next month, with updates planned for the iOS and Android versions. Threaded conversations will also be in testing with customers this quarter, expanding to broader tests in early 2025, with general availability expected by mid-year.
