Microsoft Teams calls and meetings can now happen in your car with Android Auto integration coming in February 2024. Be prepared to join meetings on the road.
Microsoft Teams is coming to your car’s infotainment system! Whether you’re an office worker just trying to get home in peace or a road tripper looking for some quiet me time, your days of avoiding work calls in the car may be over thanks to a new Microsoft Teams integration.
Microsoft Teams Android Auto Integration
The tech giant has confirmed that Microsoft Teams is in development for Android Auto, Google’s app that connects Android phones to a car’s built-in infotainment display. This means Android users will soon be able to join Microsoft Teams meetings and make calls right from their car’s dashboard.
The feature is expected to start rolling out in February 2024, just in time to ruin your commutes and road trips. Here’s what you can expect when Microsoft Teams arrives on Android Auto:
Easy Access to Microsoft Teams Calendar
One of the main features will allow users to directly join Microsoft Teams meetings from the calendar view in Android Auto. So all those meetings you’ve been “missing” while driving will now be just a tap away. No more excuses that you couldn’t pull over just to join a call!
Calling Contacts and Recent Calls
In addition to calendar access, the Android Auto integration will enable quick calling of your speed dial contacts and viewing recent calls. So your boss can just speed dial you to ask why you’re not on the weekly standup meeting call. How convenient!
Audio-Only Option Hopefully
Microsoft hasn’t provided specifics on whether calls will be audio or video enabled. For safety reasons, hopefully it’s audio only! But knowing Microsoft Teams, get ready for your colleagues’ faces to pop up on screen mid-commute.
No Word on Message or File Access
The announcement also didn’t mention anything about accessing Teams messages or files through Android Auto. This makes sense given the driving hazards of trying to manage complex workflows from behind the wheel.
Coming Nearly a Year After Apple CarPlay
Frustratingly for Android users, this integration comes almost a full year after Microsoft Teams first launched similar functionality for Apple CarPlay users. Since September 2021, iPhone users have been able to join meetings, dial into calls, message contacts, and more through Apple’s CarPlay.
So yet again, Android is playing catch up to Apple. But at least the mobile OS titans finally worked together to enable this functionality before 2025!
How Does Microsoft Teams Work with Other Cars?
Android Auto aside, Microsoft Teams does offer some integration with vehicles today, though functionality varies across car makes and models:
Integrated Display Capabilities
Many modern, internet-connected cars have integrated displays that can project some apps from your phone. This allows basic Teams calling and messaging capabilities from the driver’s seat. Just connect your phone and get distracting notifications galore!
Limited Features Though
Don’t expect to host meetings, share screens, or collaborate on files though. The built-in car displays are limited in what they can handle. So the Android Auto upgrade will really expand what’s possible.
Voice Assistant Commands
Some cars also allow voice assistant commands to place calls or listen to messages. But this requires clunky dictation of contacts’ full names. And we all know how horrendous voice transcription can be.
Why Microsoft Teams in More Cars?
This inevitable invasion of work communications into your car time might have you wondering – why?? Why does Microsoft seem so intent on blurring the lines between office and vehicle?
Mobile Workforce Demands It
Well, like it or not, the workforce is becoming increasingly dispersed and mobile. With hybrid and remote workers splitting time between home, office, coffee shops – and yes, their cars – companies need ways to enable communication on the go.
After All, Your Boss Needs You
And all those managers and executives still working 80 hours a week in the office? They expect you to be just as accessible in your measly 40 hour work-from-home schedule. How else will they micromanage every minute of productivity?
Capitalism Marches On
At the end of the day, allowing constant access to workers equals more productivity and profits. And companies will always choose capitalism over your mental health or work-life balance. Now take this Teams call in your car or you’re fired!
What This Means for Your Commute
When Microsoft Teams arrives on Android Auto in February, what can you expect as a driver? Well, enjoy mining through calendar invites while stuck in traffic. Chat with colleagues while white-knuckling down the highway. And get ready to take your status off “Do Not Disturb” if you value your job!
Invasion of Work into Personal Time
Be prepared for further invasion of work communication into your few precious moments of personal time. The already fading boundaries between office and off hours are about to evaporate just like your peace and quiet.
More Distracted Driving Fun
No matter the audio-only optimism, we all know people will enabled video calls from the driver’s seat. So get ready for more distracted driving and fun fender benders on your morning commute. Safety third as they say!
Anxiety and Stress in the Driver’s Seat
As if driving isn’t anxiety-inducing enough, now add workplace pressures into the mix! Who doesn’t want their boss critiquing their performance while trying to navigate rush hour traffic?
Microsoft Giveth and Taketh Away
To be fair, Microsoft has also enabled calendar management from within Teams to avoid notifications interrupting your calls. This functionality just arrived on desktop and mobile.
So they partially solve one problem while creating many more distractions behind the wheel! Would disabling notifications in Do Not Disturb mode kill productivity THAT much?
Apparently so for Microsoft and every corporation wanting to wring every last drop of labor out of us. But will all this connectivity burnout lead to less engaged, less productive employees in the long run?
Final Words
Like it or not, Microsoft Teams integration is coming to Android Auto in February 2024 with Apple CarPlay crossover already enabled. Get ready to enjoy calendar, contacts, meetings, calls and more distraction in your car (if you still drive one by then that is!).
While optimists hope for audio-only calls to enable safe driving, pessimists expect full video conferencing obligations no matter the hazards or legality. But as capitalism creeps deeper into all facets of life, are we headed toward burnout? Or are technologies like Teams improving work-life flexibility? Always a mix of pros and cons.
In any case, say goodbye to your last refuge of peace, quiet and music therapy behind the wheel. The world of mobile messaging marches on thanks to Microsoft Teams! Let us know if you end up liking or loathing the Android Auto capabilities once they arrive early next year. We expect passionate debate on both sides of this divisive integration!
Sorce : – Microsoft Teams
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