Microsoft Ignite 2021 Recap

Another Microsoft event is behind us, and surprise, surprise, it was filled with announcements!

Microsoft Ignite – the technology giant’s annual IT and developer conference – ended on March 4. This year’s all-virtual event included several announcements, featuring key updates to Teams, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 applications and services. Like all major Microsoft events, Ignite opened with a keynote from CEO Satya Nadella, who shared what’s new in the world of Microsoft.

If you weren’t able to attend the conference, we’ve got all the highlights right here! Here is a quick overview of some of the most important announcements and updated Microsoft applications.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams Connect helps organizations collaborate with customers, partners, and other external parties to share content through private channels. It allows users to connect, collaborate, and accomplish goals together. This year, multiple updates were announced, designed to improve online interactions.

With new updates to Microsoft Meeting, users’ viewing experiences will improve. For example, when new attendees join and begin talking, Teams will auto-adjust and customize the visual layout of the meeting. Likewise, the ability to share PowerPoint Live will give presenters more control, creating a more engaging experience.

The ability to share features and personalize the experience will make Teams software more dynamic than ever. It will also assist individuals with vision disabilities, helping them digest information more easily. For more information on the latest updates to Microsoft Teams, click here.

Microsoft Mesh

One of the most exciting announcements at Ignite 2021 involved the company’s new social, mixed-reality platform: Microsoft Mesh. This groundbreaking application promises its users connection at new depths and dimensions.

Microsoft Mesh will allow users to connect through HoloLens 2, VR headsets, mobile phones, tablets, or PCs-using any Mesh-enabled app. Users can interact with one another from anywhere – engaging with eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures.

The future of virtual work collaboration is changing at a rapid speed, and the Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Mesh integration is sure to be a part of it.

Industry Clouds

The cloud was one of the focal points of this year’s Microsoft Ignite conference. CEO Satya Nadella addressed it straightaway, saying, “It’s time for us to reflect on how the cloud will change over the next decade, and the innovation [that] our changing world will require from the cloud. Nadella advised, “We will need to foundationally transform how the cloud can drive the next level of broad economic growth that everyone can participate in.”

The cloud’s relevance will continue to grow in major industries ranging from financial services, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations and more. These clouds are customized to address industry-specific needs, increasing the overall efficiency of day-to-day operations. Additionally, the healthcare industry cloud (first introduced in October 2020) is set to receive important updates in April 2021 – the main focus of which will be on improving virtual health and patient self-service.

Conclusion: Microsoft Ignite 2021 Recap

Microsoft Ignite 2021 presented us with news of amazing progress in the virtual meeting space, allowing for personalized engagement at a higher and deeper level. To read more about these announcements, check out Microsoft Ignite’s 2021 Book of News.