Microsoft Teams added OneDrive integration, advanced search features, and more

Microsoft has announced a series of updates to its Microsoft Teams platform added in December 2023. Noteworthy changes include the integration of a new Microsoft OneDrive app for improved file storage and collaboration (the 'Files app' on left side of the desktop client is now called the 'OneDrive app'), general availability for virtual desktops, and new advanced search features.

The search functionality within Teams has been upgraded with a "find in channel/chat" search buttons, allowing for targeted searches within specific conversations (similar to Slack). Additional search filters like "files," "group chats," or "teams and channels" have been added to refine search results. Microsoft has also introduced a chat button to the activity feed, enabling users to start a conversation with a caller they might have missed.

There's also Microsoft Loop components in channels, allowing users to co-create and collaborate on synced tables, lists, trackers, or more components from Loop. And for those using the Microsoft Copilot (Windows & 365) AI chatbot, Teams now provides access to previous chats within the platform, promoting continuity and context in conversations. The company has introduced an AI-driven feature that enables users to create custom backgrounds for channel announcements using Microsoft Designer and DALL-E 3 technology. Check out all the changes and new features here.