Dave Hatz, VP of Machine Intelligence at CTI, a major AV integrator and events company, shares his journey from AV programming into AI leadership.

• How AI is reshaping the AV integrator’s role, from hardware-centric deployments to software-driven, experience-focused solutions
• The shift from complex, bespoke AV setups to scalable, software-upgradable Microsoft Teams Rooms and how this enables sustainability and innovation
• The growing importance of AI features like intelligent cameras, transcription, and meeting recap, and how AV professionals can support these capabilities
• From personal productivity tools to organisational workflows, Dave discusses how CTI helps clients integrate AI

Thanks to Neat for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support. 

Callum Moore is an Enterprise Product Manager for Microsoft Teams at a global organisation supporting nearly 400,000 users. Drawing on his experience across professional services, healthcare, retail, and banking, Callum shares practical insights into managing Teams at scale.

• Client Health and Admin Tools: New Teams Admin Center dashboards are available for monitoring client version compliance, crashes, and update failures. These tools offer a more accessible way to identify issues that may otherwise go unreported and influence user perception.

• User Experience and Communication: The benefits of promoting smaller, user-focused features—such as keyboard shortcuts—and using tools like Viva Engage or Copilot to support internal communications. Callum encourages creating informal spaces for users to explore features at their own pace.

• AI and Copilot Integration: The conversation touches on how AI is influencing product management and organisational structures. Callum notes the growing need for concise, actionable information to keep pace with Microsoft’s evolving roadmap.

• Feedback and Community: Emphasising the importance of two-way dialogue, Callum encourages organisations to share feedback with Microsoft and engage with peers to surface common challenges and influence product direction.

• Troubleshooting and Network Testing: The episode also explores upcoming features like silent test calls and remote log collection

Thanks to Landis for sponsoring this podcast episode and for their ongoing support. 

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - July 2025

• Microsoft FY26
• Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition GA
• Summarise transferred calls in Teams with Copilot
• Teams client health dashboard
• Teams client Silent Test Calls
• Teams Rooms Pro Portal Al
• Researcher and Analyst Agents GA
• Real-time voice is coming in M365 Copilot Events

Thanks to Pure IP, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Mary Jo Foley, celebrated tech journalist and current Editor in Chief at Directions on Microsoft, joins the podcast to delve into the rise of AI and Copilot at Microsoft and the ever-increasing pace of change.

• Mary Jo's journey from tech journalism to leading content strategy at Directions on Microsoft
• Insights into how enterprise organizations are navigating Microsoft's swift AI advancements
• The impact and challenges of Microsoft's Copilot and agent offerings on enterprise licensing and strategy
• Challenges understanding the complexities of Microsoft's pricing and licensing models, particularly regarding new AI services

Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

David Renfree, Manager of UC Sales Specialists at Colt Technology Services, and Jason Wyatt, EMEA Marketing Director at AudioCodes, discuss evolving operator services and how Colt is innovating in enterprise connectivity through their partnership with AudioCodes.

• Strategic Partnership: Colt utilizes AudioCodes Live Platform to enhance enterprise voice services and efficiency

• Award-Winning Cooperation: Colt recognised by AudioCodes for excellence as Live Platform and Service Provider of the Year

• Tailored Solutions: Offers flexible, multi-vendor integration to meet diverse enterprise requirements

• Advanced UC Management: Provides comprehensive service management for both cloud and on-premise environments

• AI and Business Impact: Focuses on AI-driven solutions for superior business outcomes beyond traditional telecom

Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support

Mehryn Corrigan, Microsoft Global Channel Sales lead, Microsoft Teams Rooms, discusses the evolution of Teams Rooms and AI and the future of meeting spaces.

• AV and IT Convergence: Exploring the integration of AV and IT in meeting room setups and how partners are evolving their roles

• AI in Meeting Rooms: Enhancements such as speaker recognition, AI assistants, and Copilot are transforming meeting experiences

• Simplifying Room Deployments: Efforts to streamline setup and management are making modern meeting rooms more accessible

• Future Opportunities for Partners: With the addition of Microsoft Places and AI, partners are poised to expand their service offerings beyond hardware

Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Dan Root of ClickShare by Barco offers insights into their new Microsoft Teams Rooms solutions and use of Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform

• ClickShare's new Android-based modular compute systems supporting Microsoft Teams Rooms and BYOD experiences
• How ClickShare integrates with existing ecosystems, providing flexibility and compatibility for diverse meeting room needs
• Insights into the partnership with Microsoft using the MDEP platform and how it supports enhanced security and management
• Announcement of partnerships and certified bundles

Thanks to Dan Root for sharing his expertise and to Landis, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support

Olly Henderson, VP of Product at Jabra, discusses the evolution of meeting room technology and what Jabra is focused on based on customer feedback and insights.

• Launch of Panacast 40 VBS: A new Android bar for enhancing small huddle rooms with affordable, high-quality AV solutions.
• Role of Edge AI: Utilising edge AI for optimal performance and less cloud reliance in Jabra's video solutions.
• Future of BYOD: Jabra enables adaptable BYOD experiences, allowing easy upgrades to native conferencing systems.
• Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging MDEP integration and partnerships to enrich Jabra's enterprise solutions.
• Streamlined Deployment: Reducing costs with zero-touch setup and Jabra Plus management platform improvements.

Thanks to Jabra, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support.

Microsoft Teams Monthly Update - June 2025

• Microsoft 365 Leadership Changes
• New Microsoft Teams 'Thread" Layout for Channels
• Teams Phone extensibility - Public Preview
• Remote collection of diagnostic logs from users' Teams clients
• Operator Connect Updates
• Immediate SBA Upgrade Required
• Microsoft Retiring Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel
• Teams Devices News from InfoComm
• Events

Thanks to Landis, this month's benefactor, for your support of Empowering.Cloud and the community.

Note that this is an audio-only version of the update, so if you would like to see the accompanying slides, please watch the video version on Empowering.Cloud

Ritika Gupta, Microsoft Group Product Manager, delves into the power of AI in Microsoft Teams, focusing on recording, transcription, and intelligent  recap.

• Ritika highlights the shift of recording and transcription from convenience to essential for AI capabilities like intelligent recap and Copilot.
• Overcome language barriers with Interpreter Agent
• Real-time transcription challenges and AI improvements for more accurate language processing and cultural understanding.
• Compliance controls and policies for IT to ensure secure and effective use of recording and transcription.

Thanks to Luware, this episode's sponsor, for their continued support of Empowering.Cloud