Since then, we’ve continued a cycle of iterative development, testing, and evaluation to further optimize our model.
Over two years ago, we announced the release of AI-based noise suppression in Microsoft Teams as an optional feature for Windows users. Background noise suppressionĮach of us has first-hand experience of a meeting disrupted by the unexpected sounds of a barking dog, a car alarm, or a slammed door. Microsoft Teams uses a model “trained” with 30,000 hours of speech samples to retain desired voices while suppressing unwanted audio signals resulting in more fluid dialogue. When not using a headset, and especially when using devices where the speaker and microphone are very close to each other, it is difficult to remove echo while maintaining full-duplex audio. This is accomplished through full-duplex (two-way) transmission of audio, allowing users to speak and hear others at the same time.
Interruptibility, for more natural conversationsĪ natural element of conversation is the ability to interrupt for clarification or validation. For the first time, Microsoft Teams uses a machine learning model to convert captured audio signal to sound as if users are speaking into a close-range microphone. In specific environments, room acoustics can cause sound to bounce, or reverberate, causing the user’s voice to sound shallow as if they’re speaking within a cavern. “De-reverberation” adjusts for poor room acoustics Now, Microsoft Teams uses AI to recognize the difference between sound from a speaker and the user’s voice, eliminating the echo without suppressing speech or inhibiting the ability of multiple parties to speak at the same time. Voice quality improvementsĭuring calls and meetings, when a participant has their microphone too close to their speaker, it’s common for sound to loop between input and output devices, causing an unwanted echo effect. These build on AI-powered features recently released like expanding background noise suppression. Today, we’re announcing the availability of new Teams features including echo cancellation, adjusting audio in poor acoustic environments, and allowing users to speak and hear at the same time without interruptions. Through AI and machine learning, which have become fundamental to our strategy for continual improvement, we’ve identified and are now delivering innovative enhancements in Microsoft Teams that improve such audio and video challenges in ways that are both user-friendly and scalable across environments.
And while communication and collaboration solutions have played a critical role in enabling continuity during these unprecedented times, early stress tests have revealed opportunities to improve and enhance meeting and call quality.ĭisruptive echo effects, poor room acoustics, and choppy video are some common issues that hinder the effectiveness of online calls and meetings. As schools and workplaces begin resuming in-person operations, we project a permanent increase in the volume of online meetings and calls.