Microsoft is currently experimenting with a new feature in Windows 11 to ensure noise-free online meetings.
If you’re a corporate employee or just have a workflow that requires extensive use of online video conferencing apps like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, you know how difficult it can be to find a quiet place to hold meetings. Any kind of background noise can filter out when you’re in a meeting, and this can hinder communication with teammates.
Fortunately, Microsoft Teams is now testing a new beta version of Canary for Windows, which includes the new Voice Clarity feature that was previously exclusive to Surface. This feature is available for multiple devices, including ARM-based and x64. “We’re expanding Voice Clarity, which has been available on Surface devices, and making it available to more people,” Microsoft announced in a blog post.
What is it and how does it work?
Microsoft says this AI-powered feature works by removing echoes, reducing background noise and reducing reverberation in real time.
“This feature is enabled by default and can be used by applications using the communications signal processing mode, such as Phone Link and WhatsApp. No additional hardware is required as Voice Clarity is supported on x64 and Arm64 processors,” notes Microsoft.
This technology also works for PC games, as they could use artificial intelligence to produce a richer auditory experience. However, this feature may be more useful for people who are often at work.
Also, in a way, this resembles Apple’s Voice Isolation feature, which is present in MacOS, iOS, and even iPad OS. It also blocks out ambient noise and accentuates your voice. It works with FaceTime, WhatsApp, and even some third-party apps like Zoom.
