We recently reported on the massive selection of new calling features that Microsoft introduced for Teams, aiming to make the Teams environment a more comprehensive UCaaS solution. One of the most intriguing features to emerge with the recent update was CarPlay, a new functionality intended to help employees answer calls hands-free when on the move.
CarPlay support stands to be a gamechanger for the Microsoft Teams experience, allowing remote workers on the go to make and receive calls using the native controls in their car. You’ll even be able to access voice assistants like Siri, so you don’t need to pull over to look down at your phone and find a number in a directory. All of this where the law allows, of course.
The New Era of Remote Work
Although Microsoft revealed a slew of exciting updates to the Microsoft Teams Calling experience in its recent announcement, CarPlay could be one of the most exciting steps for the business. Throughout 2020, we’ve seen a massive shift to things like home and remote working. However, as we go ahead to 2021 and beyond, it’s important to remember that working remotely doesn’t always mean working from a home office.
Today’s flexible employees are more likely to be mobile when they’re working, moving between client offices, coffee shops, home spaces and more. A feature like CarPlay will allow team members in the remote and mobile landscape to remain productive while they’re on the move. More importantly, it means that you can engage in collaborative experiences with your team, without putting your safety at risk.
Cars with built-in CarPlay control will be able to access Teams automatically once the application is set up within the vehicle. Drivers will be able to use Siri to initiate and answer calls with their team when they’re working from the back-seat of their car. For now, unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any support available for Android Auto and similar solutions.
Just One of Many Updates to Microsoft Calling
According to Microsoft, a person’s voice is an essential part of the communication experience, particularly in an age when people can’t always connect face-to-face. As Microsoft Teams Calling use continues to skyrocket, Microsoft wants to ensure that people working anywhere can continue to access the features that they love.
CarPlay support will make it quick and easy for people from all backgrounds to stay connected to their conversations on Teams, even if it just means making a call while you’re sitting in a parking lot.
