How Microsoft Teams is Competing with Zoom by Introducing New Meeting Controls

## Introduction
Microsoft Teams’ recent update, the release of a preview of zoom controls feature, has caught the attention of users worldwide. The zoom controls feature allows attendees to zoom in and out while viewing content on a shared screen in Teams meetings and calls, enhancing the viewing experience of users.

## The New Feature
The feature will help users with low vision or visual impairment, as they can now view the content on their screens with ease. Prior to this update, Microsoft Teams only allowed the use of pinch to zoom gestures on trackpads or shortcuts to view content such as Excel Spreadsheets or PowerPoint presentations. However, users in a Teams call or meeting will now have buttons to zoom in, zoom out, and restore the original size of the incoming screen share, making it more beneficial for attendees.

## How to Try the Zoom Controls Feature
In order to take advantage of the new zoom controls feature, IT administrators will need to sign up for the Microsoft Teams public preview program. They will also need to configure an update policy in the Microsoft Teams admin center. However, keep in mind that meeting participants will not be able to view zoom controls while using the watermarking feature during Teams meetings. As of right now, the feature is only available in the Microsoft Teams app for Windows, macOS, and web app. It is yet to be seen if Microsoft plans to add zoom controls to the Teams mobile clients.

## Other Updates from Microsoft Teams
In related news, Microsoft is getting ready to make the new Teams 2.0 client the default experience on Windows later this year. Microsoft Product Lead for Teams 2.0 Anupam Pattnaik confirmed in the first episode of Petri’s UnplugIT podcast that the app is also coming in preview to macOS, the web, and other platforms later this year. Microsoft Teams 2.0 debuted in public preview on Windows back in March 2023. The app has been rebuilt from the ground up to improve performance and reduce power consumption on Windows devices.

## Competition and Analysis
Microsoft Teams’ new zoom controls feature is arguably one of the best features that the platform could have introduced at this time. The ability to zoom in and out of content on a shared screen not only enhances the user experience but also makes it easier for those who are visually impaired. While Microsoft Teams’ competitors, such as Zoom and Skype, have had this feature for some time now, it is a welcome addition to Microsoft’s platform.

## Conclusion
Overall, the introduction of the new zoom controls feature by Microsoft Teams is a practical and user-friendly update that will be beneficial for many Teams users. It is highly recommended that IT administrators sign up for the Microsoft Teams public preview program to test the feature for themselves and experience the new enhancements. In an increasingly competitive market, Microsoft Teams continue to provide new features to enhance their user’s experience.