When considering an alternative to the ubiquitous WhatsApp, people may think of Signal, Telegram and some others. This time, there is new kid on the block.
Due to WhatsApp's controversial policy change around user data, many users have started to switch platforms. And so far, Microsoft Teams has never been a really good competitor to WhatsApp.
This is simply because Teams has made its name as a workplace collaboration platform, and not an app for personal communication.
But this is changing.
Microsoft Teams wants to also include personal communication, as Microsoft announced that Teams is available for personal use as well, for free on mobile and desktop, as well as on the web.
According to Microsoft in a blog post:
Read: With Massive Exodus To Signal And Telegram, WhatsApp Tries To Explain Itself
In an update, Microsoft starts allowing Teams users to chat with friends and family members, even if they don't have the app installed on their phone.
Users can also create things like tasks and to-do lists directly from chats, making it easier to collaborate on family events.
Moreover, users can also schedule meetings and share invites without having to leave the chat windows.
Teams also allows users to create polls using its app.
There are other perks too, like GIFs, chat animations and emojis.
There is also a way for users to catch up to group video calls in case they missed them, as Teams keeps the text-based conversation happening during a group video call.
Another feature, is a dashboard that keeps all media and files that were shared in chats.
The dashboard puts everything in one place for convenience.
"If you’re using Teams for work, just click on your profile to add a personal account," Microsoft said. And for those who are new to Teams, they can download the app and get started.
And because Microsoft Teams was born as a collaboration platform, Microsoft in updating Teams to allow personal use, means that Microsoft allows users to create separate profiles for work and family, and switch between the two profiles with a single tap.
It should be noted though, that Microsoft Teams is still having some restrictions.
For example, users can call and make video calls with anyone in a one-to-one call for free for 24 hours, and make group calls that can be up to 100 participants for free for only a limited 60 minutes.
However, Microsoft is waiving the limits "in light of COVID-19," so users can meet with up to 300 participants and speak up to 24 hours for free "until further specified."
This is a temporary perk for the pandemic era, and Microsoft is waiving this off soon.
Read: WhatsApp Revises Plan, Saying It Won't Deactivate Accounts For Not Accepting Its Policy