New Content

Microsoft Updates The "Updates App"

Microsoft quietly released a new version of one the best Microsoft Teams apps: The Updates App. If you have never heard of the Microsoft Teams Updates app before, it allows you to create and distribute lightweight data collection forms directly from Teams. Now, you might be thinking that you can just use Microsoft Forms to do this and while you are right, Forms doesn't quite provide the type of functionality as the Updates App. For example, you can build your data collection forms in the Updates App and then invoke the app through chats and channels by simply typing "@Updates".

The new version of this app brings forward many subtle features such as the ability to export data directly from the app itself and most notable the data now resides in Dataverse (where it was previously stored in Microsoft Forms). If you want to learn more about what new features were added to the Updates app, click here or the link below and if you want to access my older more in-depth tutorial, check out this video here.

The New Microsoft Teams Updates App Watch Now

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Can You Keep Your Microsoft Teams Status Always Green?

In last month's Microsoft Round Up, the tip of the month was aimed at ensuring that you do not get fooled by a new Microsoft Team feature called "Status Duration". Microsoft released this feature without publishing much content about how it works (or at least digestible content) and that led many to wonder if there was finally a way for you to keep your status to always available.

Well newsflash, you can't use this feature to earn yourself some extra vacation time and in this video I explain why not and also explain how Microsoft Teams presence status actually works. Check it out here or by clicking the link below.

Don't Be Fooled By This New Microsoft Teams Feature! Watch Now

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Working With Date Formulas In SharePoint List Calculated Columns

Earlier this week, I found myself needing to implement some calculated columns in a SharePoint list that manipulate dates. It's been a while since I did this and I needed a bit of a refresher. A quick Google search (yes...I train others but still use Google to lookup how to do things :) ) lead me back to one of my own videos. This video demonstrates how you can use formulas in a SharePoint List calculated column to do the following:

• Calculate the current date
• Calculate the difference between two dates
• Determine the month and year based on a date value in another column
• Determine the day of the week based on a date value in another column

Also reviewing this video made me realize that many folks are looking for a solution to be able to calculate the number of working days between two date columns and so I will be working on a tutorial in the next month that aims to do this. If you are interested in this, I could use some help by understanding your use case to help inform the approach in the video. Feel free to hit reply and share some details with me. Click here to check out the tutorial.

How To Use SharePoint List Calculated Column Date Formulas Watch Now

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Tip Of The Month: Assign Folders Colors in Microsoft Teams & SharePoint

I'm always looking for subtle ways to improve my organization when using tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint and this small but subtle feature has been a lifesaver in this regard. A few months back, Microsoft finally added the ability to change the color of folders in Microsoft Teams and SharePoint at the time of creation or even after creation. I have used this feature to help visually depict the status of working files where, complete and final files will have a green folder, work in progress folders will be yellow and backlogged documents will be green. This is just one of many ways you can use this capability to help introduce new systems of organization in your environment. If you have started using this feature, I'd love to hear how so. Feel free to hit reply and let me know.

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News: Microsoft Forms Will Soon Support Live Data Sync To Excel

Microsoft recently announced that will soon allow users to export Microsoft Forms data once and then simply refresh the resulting Excel sheet to automatically retrieve new data without having to generate another export. This feature is currently in public preview and will be generally available in July 2024. Check out this article for more info.

News: Microsoft Teams Soon Coming To Android Auto

Microsoft is set to expand its Teams app functionality to Android Auto, allowing users to join meetings and chat while on the move. The new feature will be accessible from the Android Auto dashboard, enabling users to join Teams meetings with a single tap. The update will also allow users to send and receive chat messages via voice commands, ensuring safety while driving. This move is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to make Teams a central hub for work-related activities, regardless of location or device. The feature is expected to roll out soon, although a specific date has not been announced. Check out this article to learn more.

News: Microsoft Teams is Now Allowing You To Design Your Own Virtual Backgrounds

Microsoft Teams has introduced a new feature that allows users to customize their own virtual backgrounds during video calls. This feature, previously only available on Zoom, enables users to upload their own images or choose from a selection of Microsoft's pre-loaded options. The new feature is expected to enhance the user experience, particularly for those working remotely, by allowing them to create a more personalized and professional virtual environment. This update is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve Teams and compete with other video conferencing platforms. Check out this article to learn more.

News: Microsoft Teams Will Now Allow Users To Tag Groups Of People In Teams Channels

Microsoft Teams has introduced a new feature that allows users to tag groups of people in Teams channels. This feature is designed to improve communication and collaboration within the platform. Users can create tags based on different attributes such as role, project, or location, and then use these tags to address specific groups in chat or channel conversations. This feature is expected to streamline communication, especially in larger teams, by ensuring that messages reach the right people. The feature is currently being rolled out gradually and will be available globally in the coming weeks. Check out this article to learn more.

Tool of the Month: Training On-Demand With O'Reilly Learning

If you or your team members are in the market for on-demand training and resources to help bolster your skills and competencies then look no further than O'Reilly Learning. The O'Reilly Learning platform features a ton of e-books, on-demand courses, reference material and so much more. I discovered O'Reilly Learning when I was looking for access to several books related to Microsoft Teams (including Microsoft Teams For Dummies) and I was able to access these books in a more cost effective manner than buying them. If you want to try O'Reilly Learning out for free (without having to provide credit card details), you can do so using my special referral link. If you try it out, let me know your thought by hitting that reply button.

A Favor To Ask...

If you have ever wondered how content creators like myself support their businesses, well I will let you in on a little secret: we have to fund to our operations ourselves. Now to be fully transparent, I do earn income from ads that are displayed on my YouTube tutorials but, that revenue doesn't nearly cover the cost of the various apps and services that I need to use to keep my operation afloat. Content creators also rely on the support of their audience who truly receive value from the content we create and the work we perform. Now, what most people don't know is that there are a ton of ways you can support content creators like me at NO COST to you! Wait, what? Well, if you make any purchases on Amazon, then you can support me by simply clicking my affiliate link here and then proceed to purchase whatever you were going to purchase anyway. As a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program, I am eligible to receive small commissions ranging between 2-10% on any purchases made using my link at NO EXTRA COST to the buyer. So, if you find my content helpful and would like to help me out, consider saving this link and making a purchase or two from it. I invest 100% of the commissions I earn right back into my business so that I can continue helping you solve problems you're facing with the different apps that you use. Thank you so much in advance!

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