Microsoft announces the introduction of a longstanding Slack feature, dubbed 'threads at home.'
Microsoft Teams, the popular communication and collaboration platform, is set to introduce a new feature that will revolutionize the way users engage in discussions – threaded conversations. This feature, currently in public preview, is expected to be fully available by mid to late August 2025.
The threaded conversations in Teams work similarly to those found in group chats or platforms like Slack. Users can reply directly to specific messages, creating a thread that groups related conversations together without cluttering the main channel conversation. This feature aims to streamline discussions, making it easier to stay on top of specific topics and reduce clutter within channels.
Key features of the threaded conversations include the ability to view threads in a side pane, allowing users to engage in deeper conversations on sub-topics. Additionally, users can follow specific threads to stay updated on important conversations across all channels. The "Followed Threads" view consolidates all followed conversations into one list for easy access and management.
Compared to Slack, Microsoft Teams' threaded conversations are designed to reduce noise and improve collaboration by keeping related conversations grouped. While Slack's version has historically been more straightforward, Teams' threading is more integrated with its channel structure, allowing for discussions to be initiated without creating a new post.
Other communication apps, such as Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), also offer threaded conversations, although the integration and design might differ from Teams and Slack, focusing more on the overall Google ecosystem. Threaded conversations are also a common feature in many communication apps, including Discord and Telegram, where they help manage discussions in channels or groups.
In addition to threaded conversations, Microsoft Teams is also testing support for customizable keyboard shortcuts, and the Workflows app in Teams can automate DevOps, incident response, team collaboration, and more. Users can even trigger workflows with emojis, making tasks more efficient and collaborative.
It's important to note that those who prefer the Posts layout in Teams can still use it. Microsoft explains that threads combine the simplicity of chat-like conversations with the structure and manageability of channels, offering users the best of both worlds.
This new feature is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration and productivity within Teams, making it an even more powerful tool for teams and organisations worldwide.
- Users can enjoy threaded conversations, a feature similar to those found in platforms like Slack, on Microsoft Teams, a popular communication and collaboration platform developed by Microsoft.
- Threaded conversations in Teams help streamline discussions by grouping related conversations together, reducing clutter within channels and making it easier to stay on top of specific topics.
- The "Followed Threads" view consolidates all followed conversations into one list for easy access and management, allowing users to stay updated on important conversations across all channels.
- Microsoft Teams' threaded conversations are designed to reduce noise and improve collaboration by keeping related conversations grouped, contrasting with the linear approach of apps like Google Workspace.
- In addition to threaded conversations, Microsoft Teams is also testing support for customizable keyboard shortcuts and the Workflows app, which can automate various tasks and enhance team collaboration.
- This new feature, along with other ongoing enhancements, positions Microsoft Teams as an even more powerful tool for teams and organizations worldwide, standing at the forefront of business, lifestyle, finance, and technology.
