Microsoft Groups is about to obtain an replace that may set up a complete new use case for the collaboration and video conferencing platform.

As defined within the newest addition (opens in new tab) to the official roadmap, Microsoft Groups will quickly assist a brand new assembly sort referred to as “digital appointments”. The concept is to offer B2C companies a easy approach to schedule consultations with their clients.

“When utilizing the assembly sort, company will get a gathering invitation that features essential appointment particulars to make becoming a member of straightforward,” defined Microsoft. “They’ll be a part of from any machine – no want to put in Groups – and expertise a cushty pre-appointment digital ready room till you’re prepared to start.”

Not only for enterprise

Like many different companies within the collaboration and communication sector, Microsoft Groups has loved a meteoric rise to prominence because the pandemic caused a shift to distant and hybrid working. The newest figures counsel greater than 270 million folks now use the platform every month.

Nonetheless, in an effort to develop the attain of the platform even additional, Microsoft has in latest months put a big quantity of power into growing use circumstances for shoppers too.

On high of constructing Groups into the guts of Home windows 11 (the Chat app is now a everlasting fixture within the taskbar), Microsoft additionally gave the desktop shopper a visible overhaul to make the platform extra approachable for a non-business viewers.

Individually, the corporate just lately made it doable to mix client and enterprise accounts, permitting company customers to launch chats and conferences with shoppers and companions that may be utilizing their private Groups login.

And though Microsoft has branded the launch of 3D avatars for Groups as a measure to enhance assembly engagement and immersion, it’s additionally a function non-professionals will need to play with too.

The transfer to create a brand new sort of assembly particular to B2C appointments is the most recent step on this broader course of, creating a brand new cause for each companies and shoppers to work together with the now-familiar platform. Whether or not or not folks will take to the concept, although, is a separate query.

The digital appointments function continues to be at the moment underneath growth, however ought to make its approach to all Groups customers by the top of the 12 months.

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