Microsoft Groups is now helpful for organizing extra than simply your organization conferences. Microsoft has launched a communities characteristic on Android and iOS that successfully provides an alternative choice to Fb teams for extra private makes use of — consider your softball crew, a carpooling group or the native parent-teacher affiliation. You’ll be able to chat and make video calls, after all, however you can even prepare occasions, submit messages and share paperwork.
As on Fb, house owners can reasonable communities by setting guidelines and eradicating folks or content material. You’ll be able to create each digital and real-world occasions. If somebody needs to affix, you’ll be able to invite them by means of e mail, cellphone numbers or scannable QR codes.
Communities in Groups are solely accessible 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 supply entry to SignUpGenius that will help you coordinate fundraisers and different good causes by serving to you enlist volunteers and in any other case planning occasions.
The neighborhood hub growth could seem odd, nevertheless it displays a gradual shift away from Groups’ authentic position 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 yr, and just lately obtained 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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