# Collaborative Virtual Auditoriums Microsoft Teams' Together Mode Uses a Shared Background By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-07-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-together References: [fastcompany](https://www.fastcompany.com/90525554/microsofts-new-virtual-auditoriums-look-silly-but-fight-zoom-fatigue) & [news.microsoft](https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2020/07/09/microsoft-reimagines-virtual-collaboration-with-new-teams-features-for-the-future-of-work-and-education/) [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decorate-your-background) Teams' Together mode offers a change to the way people on a video conferencing call appear on-screen, helping to create less disparity. Across the most popular video call platforms, tuning into a group video call sees individuals segmented into individual boxes but this new mode for Microsoft Teams unites [video conference call participants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conferencing-platforms). Microsoft describes this new feature as one to enhance connection between users and reduce meeting fatigue. The virtual meeting experience relies on [AI segmentation technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-background-assistant) to digitally place participants in a shared background, which makes it feel more like everyone is in the same room. This new mode is first being introduced with an auditorium view, which has the potential to appeal to teachers and students who want to make meetings more engaging. Image Credit: Microsoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Enhanced Video Conferencing:** Microsoft Teams' Together mode introduces a new way for participants to appear on-screen during video calls, creating a more unified and engaging meeting experience. - **AI Segmentation Technology:** The use of AI segmentation technology in Microsoft Teams' Together mode allows participants to be digitally placed in a shared background, enhancing the feeling of being in the same room. - **Meeting Fatigue Reduction:** Microsoft Teams' Together mode aims to reduce meeting fatigue by enhancing connection and engagement among users during video conferencing calls. ### Who This Affects Most - **Video Conferencing Platforms:** The introduction of Microsoft Teams' Together mode creates opportunities for video conferencing platforms to enhance their user experiences and differentiate themselves from competitors. - **Education Technology:** The auditorium view feature in Microsoft Teams' Together mode has the potential to appeal to teachers and students, offering an engaging virtual meeting experience for online education. - **Artificial Intelligence:** The use of AI segmentation technology in Microsoft Teams' Together mode highlights the potential for artificial intelligence to transform the video conferencing industry and improve virtual communication. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Decorative Virtual Video Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decorate-your-background.md) - [Metaverse-Enabled Video Chat Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh-for-teams.md) - [Interactive Virtual Meeting Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-mesh.md) - [3D Video Call Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatars-for-microsoft-teams.md) - [Hybrid Work Environment Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outlook-rsvp.md) - [Conference Call AR Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapchat-ar-lens-1.md) - [Sign Language Conference Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-2.md) - [Advanced Video Call Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-4.md) - [Smart Meeting Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thats-what-you-said.md)