Microsoft Teams allows users upload their background images on video calls

Image courtesy of Microsoft

As it tries to catch up with rival Zoom, Microsoft is bringing new features to its Teams app. The latest addition allows you to upload your image of choice as your background or select from one of the latest collections of background that's now available online. Microsoft previews some of these backgrounds over at this blog post. The company previously introduced blurring effects and some preset images for the background, but this new addition expands your options. Microsoft cautions that blurring effect or a custom image might not stop others from seeing sensitive information. The tech giant says they use a "highly trained" model to separate the user from the background. And that background effects are only available for scheduled meetings.

On top of introducing this feature, Microsoft now allows free users to schedule meetings and send out invites instead of resorting to the Meet Now option. Free users can also add live captions to their calls. And in honour of Pride Month, there will be Pride-themed images in its collection of custom Teams backgrounds coming on June 16.