Microsoft is implementing new functionality for hassle-free discussion within Microsoft Teams: threaded conversations.
Microsoft Teams has recently unveiled a significant update, introducing threaded conversations within its channels to improve chat usability and organization [1][3]. This feature allows users to reply directly to specific messages, keeping related discussions grouped together and making it easier for participants to follow along.
The design of Microsoft Teams' threaded conversations ensures that users will only receive notifications for threads they are actively participating in or have chosen to follow, aiming to reduce notification overload. A dedicated "Followed Threads" view is available, consolidating all active threads a user is involved in or has opted to follow into a single, interactive list [1][3].
While Microsoft Teams' threaded conversations mark a step forward, they do not match the seamless and spontaneous nature of threaded conversations in Slack [2][4]. In Teams, threads are organized within channels, but users are only notified if they initiate, reply to, are mentioned in, or manually follow a thread. This approach helps keep the main channel chat uncluttered and focuses attention on relevant discussions [1][3].
The new features in Microsoft Teams also include customizable keyboard shortcuts and multi-emoji reactions per message [3]. However, some users may find the experience less adaptable compared to competitors like Slack and Discord [3].
In comparison, Slack pioneered threaded conversations in the business chat space. Its design allows for clear visual separation of threads from the main channel, making it easy to browse and reply to discussions. Threads in Slack are highly flexible, supporting rich media, custom emoji reactions, and extensive integrations [2][4].
Discord's threading approach is robust, particularly in its server-based communities. Threads can be created from any message and are visible as separate channels under the main channel, which helps manage large-scale or fast-moving discussions [2][4].
In summary, Microsoft Teams' new threaded conversations mark a clear improvement, aligning it more closely with Slack and Discord in terms of chat organization. However, it still trails in flexibility and overall user experience compared to its main competitors [1][2][3]. The update is a step forward in making Microsoft Teams more adaptable for modern collaboration, but it may divide users due to certain design choices.
[1] Microsoft Teams Blog: [https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/microsoft-teams-public-preview-of-threaded-conversations-and-new/ba-p/3792794] [2] Slack Help Center: [https://slack.com/help/articles/360006353063-threaded-conversations] [3] The Verge: [https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/14/23028294/microsoft-teams-threaded-conversations-preview-features] [4] Discord Help Center: [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360049081272-Threads]
- The new threaded conversations in Microsoft Teams are designed to reduce notification overload, offering a dedicated "Followed Threads" view for consolidating all active threads a user is involved in or has opted to follow, aligning it closer to similar features in technology rivals like Slack and Discord.
- The advancement in Microsoft Teams' technology with threaded conversations has brought it nearer to Slack and Discord in terms of chat organization, but the overall user experience and flexibility may still be less adaptable compared to its main competitors, as AI-driven artificial-intelligence systems continue to evolve and enhance within these platforms.
