Microsoft Groups is now helpful for organizing extra than simply your organization conferences. Microsoft has launched a communities function on Android and iOS that successfully affords an alternative choice to Fb teams for extra private makes use of — consider your softball staff, a carpooling group or the native parent-teacher affiliation. You’ll be able to chat and make video calls, in fact, however you can too organize occasions, put up messages and share paperwork.
As on Fb, house owners can average communities by setting guidelines and eradicating individuals or content material. You’ll be able to create each digital and real-world occasions. If somebody needs to affix, you may invite them by way of e-mail, telephone numbers or scannable QR codes.
Communities in Groups are solely obtainable on cellular for now, however Microsoft says they’re going to attain the desktop “quickly” and that you just solely want the free app. In 2023, Microsoft will provide entry to SignUpGenius that can assist you coordinate fundraisers and different good causes by serving to you enlist volunteers and in any other case planning occasions.
The group hub growth could seem odd, however it displays a gradual shift away from Groups’ unique function as a pure office collaboration instrument and extra as a general-purpose chat and socialization app. It grew to become free for private use final 12 months, and not too long ago acquired informal video games to assist break the ice with colleagues. This latest addition ventures even farther afield — Microsoft is not actually making a social community, however it’s hoping to take over a few of these duties.
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