Microsoft's latest build of Windows 11, build 22000.100, brings support for the new Chat experience powered by Teams. The feature allows people to quickly access Microsoft Teams for consumers from the Windows 11 Taskbar. We want to know if you'll use the new Chat app or leave it untouched in the Taskbar.
The Chat app replaces Skype as the default in-box chat app for Windows. It's yet to be seen if that means anything to the average user. Skype being the default in-box chat app for Windows to this point hasn't stopped anyone from using WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, or any other popular messaging service.
Unlike the Microsoft Teams that many will be familiar with from school or business settings, the new Chat app is powered by the consumer version of Teams. This is aimed at everyday use for people communicating with friends and family. While its focus is different, it has many of the same features people have gotten used to on Teams, including messaging and video calls.
The Chat app is limited in its current phase of testing. For example, the "Meet Now" button doesn't work in the latest build of Windows 11. Right now, the Chat app is more of a glimpse at the overall user interface and a hint of things to come.
Back in March, our executive editor Daniel Rubino took a closer look at Teams for consumers. He said then, "My prediction, unfortunately, is that Microsoft Teams for personal use will fade into neglect." Perhaps Microsoft sensed the same thing, which led the company to integrate it into Windows 11.
Will you use the Chat app in Windows 11? Let us know in the poll above, and please share your reasoning in the comments below.
