Microsoft Teams allows users to upload custom backgrounds for video calls

Microsoft also released collections from Fox, Xbox, and some Pride backgrounds.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft has announced a new feature for its collaboration platform Teams, where users can now uploaded custom images and background effects for meetings.

The company had previously only had a background blur available to protect user privacy, and then rolled out a select range of backgrounds to choose from including offices and beaches.

“Custom background effects help you design the video experience that works best for you—whether you need to hide a mess of toys or just want a funny background photo to give your team a laugh” the company said on its post.

Now, any image can be uploaded in background, with Microsoft demonstrating a collection from Fox that includes a Bob’s Burgers booth, the family home from The Simpsons, and Lego bricks.

Other collections include Xbox backgrounds, and blue and green Solitaire designs.

Microsoft designers have also created 20 virtual backgrounds to support for the LGBTQI+ community, which can be downloaded on Tuesday, 16 June for Pride celebrations.

Teams is also introducing a number of other features: the ability to schedule meetings in advance and live captions on calls, both for free users of Teams.

These features see Microsoft Teams catch up to Zoom, which already allows users to set custom images as their backgrounds while in meetings.

However, Zoom has also been criticised for saying it would not extend the privacy it provides for paid users to its free tier so it can better work with law enforcement.