Microsoft Teams in Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop

 We are excited to announce the public preview of the new optimization architecture for Microsoft Teams on Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 is now rolled out for all users. This new architecture is designed to close the feature gap between native Teams and Teams for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) by enhancing performance, providing auto updates, and streamlining support.

The new architecture introduces several key improvements over the existing optimization. A new client-side plug-in is responsible for establishing a virtual channel with Teams on the server and subsequently handling media engine downloads. Once the plug-in is deployed, Teams will send instructions for the specific media engine version it requires, and the plug-in will handle the rest. SlimCore, the new media engine, replaces WebRTC and offers the same quality and reliability you experience in the native Teams client for Windows. SlimCore is responsible for interactive connectivity establishment for STUN and TURN procedures, real-time media using Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), and signaling through UDP or HTTPS.

The new optimization architecture supports a range of new features, including advanced meeting capabilities, telephony and voice capabilities, location-based routing and media bypass, quality of service, and improved supportability, as outlined in the table below.

 

Advanced meeting capabilities Gallery view 3x3 and 7x7 Custom meeting backgrounds uploaded via Teams admin center List item 3 1080p Computer sound while screen sharing Hardware acceleration on the endpoint Presenter mode Teams Premium*