Microsoft Teams has rolled out some handy updates in the last few months that make managing your webcam and audio during meetings much simpler and more intuitive. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

1. Easier access to AV controls:

Gone are the days of hunting for those tiny microphone and camera icons in the meeting toolbar.  Teams now features a dedicated Quick access AV toggle right at the top of the meeting window.  With a single click, you can mute/unmute your mic or turn your camera on/off.

2. More control in the side panel:

The side panel in Teams meetings has also received an AV makeover . You'll now find a dedicated Audio and video section that lets you:

• Choose your preferred microphone and speaker devices.

• Apply audio effects like blur or background noise suppression.

• Preview your camera feed before going live.

3. Join meetings muted by default (optional):

Want to avoid accidental mic-blaring moments upon joining a meeting?  Teams now offers an optional setting to join meetings muted by default.  This can be particularly helpful for large meetings or those with potentially disruptive background noise.

4. Meeting organizers can manage attendee AV:

Organizers now have more control over the audio-visual environment in their meetings. They can:

• Mute all attendees upon entry.

• Prevent attendees from unmuting themselves.

• Disable attendee cameras altogether.

These features come in handy for maintaining focus and order in large meetings or presentations.