Zoom is slowly completing its transformation into Microsoft Teams, with the company rebranding the platform as Zoom Workspace 6.0.
Zoom may have been the most popular video conferencing tool at the start of the pandemic. However, as the remote boom continued, more complete tools like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace were more frequently used, thanks to their vast functionality.
Now, Zoom is attempting to follow suit, rebranding as a workspace tool rather than just a video conferencing platform.
What Is Zoom Workspace?
Zoom Workspace is the newly rebranded name for the Zoom app, with the goal of better encapsulating the platform’s functionality for businesses that goes beyond just video conferencing.
“The Zoom app for desktop and mobile is now named Zoom Workplace, in order to align the app name with Zoom’s extensive product offerings that are designed to help users reimagine the way they collaborate.” – Zoom support page
Starting now, those that update the Zoom app will see a full-on visual overhaul of the platform, with Zoom Workspace replacing the Zoom name, as well as new themes and colors throughout. But that’s not all you’ll get.
Check out our Zoom pricing guide for more information
What New Features Are Available With Zoom Workspace?
In addition to the visual overhaul and name rebrand, Zoom Workspace is also getting a slew of new features to improve the platform. Here are some of the new features you can find on Zoom Workspace:
- Late-joining participant functionality – No longer will participants who join meetings late be banned from unmuting or starting video on a meeting.
- Combined Meetings and Calendar view – Now, you’ll be able to view a fully comprehensive calendar view that features meeting details and allows for changes directly in the interface.
- Better Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive integration – You can now add documents and files from either platform quickly and effectively during meetings.
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On top of all that, the Zoom Workspace 6.0 update will substantially improve the functionality of AI Companion, the platform’s AI tool for better productivity. You’ll be able to easily access the chatbot, use it to quickly access meetings, and share a meeting across multiple devices.
Can Zoom Compete With Google and Microsoft?
Zoom may be known for its video conferencing tools, but the reality is that the platform is pretty robust when it comes to overall collaboration. It offers a VoIP solution in the form of Zoom Phone, it offers webinar and events functionality, you can operate a contact center for your IT helpdesk. All that to say, there’s a lot to like about Zoom Workspace for your team collaboration needs.
Still, it’s hard for any business to seriously compete with Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams as far as these all-in-one hubs are concerned. Mostly because of how entrenched users are with these platforms. From email to cloud drives to even video conferencing, Gmail, Outlook, Google Meet, OneDrive, and all the other platforms are well-established across the business world.
Zoom has made integrations with these platforms a notable priority, though, and Zoom is considered one of the easiest to use platforms for businesses just starting out. All that to say, Zoom is at least making things interesting for businesses looking for a collaboration tool.
