Benefits of MTR Front Row on Hybrid Meetings and Collaboration
In the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace technology industry, innovations continue to transform the way we collaborate and conduct meetings. As professionals, it is essential to stay in tune with the latest developments that can improve our workplace productivity and foster seamless communication. One such innovation is “Front Row” – a new layout within the Microsoft Teams Rooms in-meeting experience. In this blog, we will explore what Front Row is, its advantages over previous configurations, and our recommendations for the organisations that can benefit most from implementing this solution.
What is Front Row?
Front Row is a new in-meeting layout experience for Microsoft Teams Rooms. Designed to bring a better hybrid meeting experience, it enhances the connection between in-person and virtual meeting participants. With Front Row, remote attendees are seen in the room at eye level, displayed across the bottom of the call screen rather than vertically along one side, creating a more engaging and natural interaction. Furthermore, additional desktop Teams meeting features, such as chat and a list of participants with raised hands, are conveniently displayed on the room screen. This inclusive layout maximises screen real estate, allowing users to seamlessly view people, content, and chat simultaneously.
Advantages of Front Row
(1) Natural Meeting Interactions
Front Row redefines meeting interactions by making them more natural, especially between virtual and in-room participants. The video gallery is strategically placed below the content, creating an eye-to-eye experience for attendees in the room. By moving the video gallery to the bottom of the screen, remote participants appear face-to-face with in-room attendees. This improvement fosters a sense of inclusion, making everyone feel more connected and engaged.
(2) Enhanced Chat Visibility
Traditionally, in-room meeting attendees using Microsoft Teams Rooms were unable to access the chat function. However, Front Row addresses this limitation. The chat feature is now visible on one side of the front-of-room display(s), ensuring that in-room participants do not miss any valuable context of the meeting shared via chat. Although they cannot contribute to the chat, they can fully grasp the discussion happening alongside the visual presentations.
Who do we Recommend Front Row to?
We recommend Front Row to existing Microsoft Teams Room’s users that are looking for a more immersive experience in the hybrid office. Microsoft sees Front Row as a bridge between the now ubiquitous Teams meeting and in-person attendance where cost and time constraints of travel present a challenge.
Front Row is a versatile solution that caters to various organisations and meeting scenarios. We recommend Front Row to businesses that place great emphasis on collaborative efforts and frequent screen sharing during meetings. This feature optimises the viewing experience, making it easier for teams to share content seamlessly and engage in productive discussions. For hybrid workplaces that combine in-office and remote work, Front Row bridges the gap between physical and virtual meetings. It infuses a sense of “in-person” presence, encouraging active participation and greater involvement from all meeting attendees, regardless of their location.
To fully embrace Front Row within your organisation, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. While Front Row is designed to work with existing 16:9 aspect ratio displays, the optimal experience is achieved with the now-supported 21:9 aspect ratio. Investing in compatible displays ensures a more natural and immersive meeting layout. Further, Front Row doesn’t require upgrading the Microsoft Teams Rooms Standard license, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing meeting experiences.
Front Row is a game-changer in the world of hybrid meetings, offering a unique and intuitive layout within Microsoft Teams Rooms. By promoting natural interactions, improving chat visibility, and only requiring minimal hardware changes for the best experience, Front Row presents an ideal opportunity for Australian businesses to elevate their workplace collaboration. Embrace this innovative feature to create more engaging, productive, and inclusive meetings, propelling your organisation towards greater success in the digital age. If you’re interested in upgrading your meeting room software or AV equipment contact Engagis today for the best recommendation on market-leading brands.
