Big UC News From Microsoft, Google, HP Poly, TD SYNNEX and Newline Interactive

Microsoft Renames 365 App ‘365 Copilot’ In Ongoing AI Evolution, While Google Can Now Migrate Microsoft Teams Messages To Google Chat

Just before Christmas, Microsoft renamed its 365 application suite of collaboration and productivity tools ‘365 Copilot’, further illustrating its ongoing AI evolution.

Arriving in mid-January 2025, Microsoft is updating the 365 app name and icon to Microsoft 365 Copilot and redesigning the app’s user interface to accommodate future AI-first experiences. Notable updates include reducing the size of the top app header and consolidating all app-level tools and settings into a streamlined App toolbar on the left.

Additionally, features such as “Help me create” and “My Day” will be retired to simplify the interface and enhance usability.

These changes will roll out automatically, requiring no action from admins or users.

In other Microsoft news, Google has empowered Google Workspace admins to migrate Microsoft Teams messages to Google Chat.

The process is designed to simplify the onboarding and deployment of Google Chat for organisations. To migrate data from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat, admins are required to use the dedicated admin console, ensuring a streamlined and efficient migration process.

• Read more about Microsoft’s Copilot rebranding
• Read more about Google’s Teams messages migrations

HP Poly, TD SYNNEX Ink UK Distribution Deal To Bolster Hybrid Working

HP Hybrid Systems and Poly have signed a deal with TD Synnex to distribute its full range of hybrid work and collaboration solutions in the UK.

All HP Hybrid Systems and Poly endpoint devices and peripherals are now available to UK partners through TD SYNNEX. Professional audiovisual and systems integrator partners can access pre-sales consulting, installation, and support for HP | Poly’s immersive meeting room solutions, which TD SYNNEX Maverick will distribute.

Neil Sawyer, SVP and Managing Director of HP Northwest Europe, commented:

TD SYNNEX’s exceptional reach and expertise in AV and IT channels makes them an ideal partner to expand the reach of HP | Poly solutions in the UK. Together, we’re helping businesses create seamless, integrated collaboration experiences for every workspace and meet the demands of today’s hybrid workforce.”

The partnership intends to leverage TD SYNNEX’s extensive network in the UK, allowing partners in the process to benefit from the performance and quality of HP | Poly’s meeting room and hybrid work solutions, as well as their enhanced interoperability with leading UC and contact centre platforms.

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Newline Interactive To Enhance Digital Signage With ‘Signage Pro’ Service

Newline Interactive has announced its new “Signage Pro” solution, which aims to revolutionise digital signage.

Newline Interactive, a provider of interactive display solutions and AV technology, presents Newline Signage Pro as an innovative digital signage software that simplifies and enhances content management for organisations of all sizes.

Chris Bradford, President of Newline, commented:

We designed Newline Signage Pro with the needs of our customers in mind. This software offers robust features while remaining intuitive and accessible, ensuring that anyone can create impactful digital signage without a steep learning curve.”

With Newline Signage Pro, Newline says businesses can streamline their digital signage operations using an all-in-one platform that blends powerful features with user-friendly functionality. The software offers a comprehensive online admin portal, enabling users to easily control digital content, customise layouts, and manage devices remotely from anywhere.

Newline Signage Pro is available now, and the company confirms it comes preloaded on select Newline displays.

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