Microsoft unveils new features for Windows 11 for improving video call quality

Tech giant Microsoft aims to improve its video calling experience on Windows 11 by making it more engaging and collaborative.

Microsoft will be introducing new AI-powered video effects for video calls on its latest OS. These effects will be available on devices with Neural Processing Units (NPUs),including eye contact, voice focus, and more.Machines powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors—such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, which will feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor—will be the first to get the AI effects.

While Microsoft Teams already features noise suppression software, Voice Focus will be built into Windows 11 and automatically remove unwanted audio during calls and meetings. Microsoft’s eye contact feature is also being released more broadly on compatible devices, instead of exclusive to the Surface Pro X.

Microsoft’s Eye contact uses AI to automatically adjust where the user’s eyes are looking in a video call to ensure the user always appears to be making eye contact with the camera. The feature works well when reading notes, if the camera lens is off to the side, or trying to watch television during a meeting.

Microsoft also unveils automatic framing and portrait background blur directly into Windows 11. The portrait background blur feature softens the environment around the user instead of the jarring background blue effects typically found in video conferencing apps. The automatic framing will ensure the user has always focused on whether the user stands up or moves around during a video call.