Meeting features spanning Microsoft’s apps in Windows 11 are now reportedly rolling out to improve everything from eye contact to framing and background blur. That is, as long as the meeting is taking place on a Windows 11 computer with the right processor.
The caveat here, of course, is that the features are AI-heavy. So they rely on a neural processing unit (NPU). Such as the Qualcomm 8cx Gen 3 compute platform found in Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad X13s.
That processor was only just announced in December of last year. So the features will be very limited in terms of availability. Similar features are set to be announced in the future for other platforms, according to Microsoft. Details for those features have not been outlined. But will likely be announced separately, closer to launch.
What are the new meeting features in Microsoft’s Windows 11?
Among the top new features to be found in meeting spaces in Windows 11 is Microsoft’s “Voice Focus.”
As the branding implies, Voice Focus essentially builds on Voice Clarity. The latter is a noise suppression feature found in some other Microsoft platforms such as Xbox.
Voice Focus actively suppresses background noise and unwanted audio. Specifically during meetings or calls. The feature is also being met with a new set of features for automatic framing and portrait-style background blur. Ensuring that users stay in focus when they’re in a video call or meeting and that the background isn’t.
Conversely, a new “Eye Contact” feature is rolling out widely now too, for supported computers.
Previously only found on the Microsoft Surface Pro X, the feature uses AI to first detect where the user’s eyes appear to be looking. And then adjust the image so that the eyes are effectively pointing forward. The goal is, of course, to accomplish that in a natural way so that eye contact can be made. While also ensuring that even if the user glances away to review notes or accomplish some secondary task, their eyes continue facing forward.
2022-04-06 15:07:01