Breaking Language Barriers with Real-Time Translations
Microsoft Teams is expanding its ability to connect teams worldwide with updated multilingual meeting tools. These improvements will help global teams overcome language barriers and hold more productive remote meetings.
Participants can now choose their spoken and translated languages for real-time communication. Spoken words are instantly translated, and participants hear interpreted speech while also seeing live captions in their chosen language.
For example, an English speaker can present to a group, and a Spanish-speaking attendee will hear the content in Spanish. Meeting transcripts are also generated in participants’ preferred languages, and the Recap tab allows for language changes post-meeting.
AI-Powered Translation Tools Rolling Out in 2025
Set to preview in 2025, the upgraded translation feature will initially support nine languages for real-time interpretation, with plans to expand to 51 spoken languages and 31 translation options. This enhancement ensures global teams can work together more seamlessly, regardless of their native languages.
New AI-Powered Productivity Tools in Microsoft Teams
In addition to translation updates, Microsoft is introducing AI features designed to improve productivity:
- Automatic meeting summaries, including for unscheduled discussions.
- Recaps of visual media shared during meetings, such as slides and documents.
- Summaries of shared files, keeping sensitive data secure with access controls.
These tools will save time, simplify information management, and enhance workflows by consolidating insights and feedback efficiently.
Accessibility Across All Platforms
The enhanced translation and productivity features will be available on desktop, web, and mobile versions of Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility for all users. These updates reaffirm Microsoft Teams’ role as an indispensable tool for collaboration in a globalized workplace.