Slack has introduced several new functions and changes to the user interface. The most surprising innovation is integration with teams, Microsoft’s collaboration application, and Slack’s most serious competitor. The “Microsoft Teams Calls” function is now available as a beta version in Slack’s own app store. It enables you to start or answer a call in teams via the Slack user interface. It is also possible to set teams as the default solution for calls and see who is online before a meeting starts in Slack.
Teams should not remain the only collaboration application that is integrated into Slack in this way. As several US media reports, the integration of Zoom, Cisco Jabber, Ringcentral and Dialpad is also planned.
Redesigned sidebar
The other innovations announced by Slack mainly concern the user interface and user experience. The sidebar in particular has been fundamentally revised and now offers the option of grouping messages, channels and applications. It also contains a “Compose” button that can be used to write a message that does not have to be sent immediately. The drafts appear in a separate list.
Slack has also improved the search function. Previously there were two separate fields – one for conversations and one for channels. Both can now be called up from a single field.
Business with business messenger services like Slack and Teams is booming. The market grew by 26 percent annually, the consulting firm Synergy Research estimated last year. Find out here how the market should develop in the coming years.
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