Microsoft has recently announced the general availability of the new VDI solution for Teams on Azure Virtual Desktops/Windows 365 environments. This new architecture aims to bring the Teams user experience closer between physical and virtual desktops by introducing a new media engine, decoupled from the Remote Desktop client, allowing for faster feature updates without the need for VDI infrastructure upgrades.
Key components of this new optimization include an up-to-date version of Teams, an updated Remote Desktop client or Windows App with a bundled plugin for SlimCore, and the benefits include more features, performance improvements, auto-updates, and streamlined support for Teams issues.
The plugin installation does not require admin rights as it is bundled with the client, handling SlimCore transparently. Multiple SlimCore versions can co-exist on the same endpoint, allowing for faster optimization across different VDI environments. New versions of the plugin and SlimCore are released periodically to enhance functionality and compatibility.
Networking changes are expected for the new optimization, requiring specific network configurations to allow for media and signaling traffic. Additionally, DSCP markings/QoS can be applied for better quality of service. A Teams restart is needed to switch between old and new optimizations, and improvements have been made for administrators in terms of supportability and troubleshooting.
Session roaming between devices supporting different optimizations is managed to ensure a seamless experience. The new optimization can be disabled at an org-wide level using PowerShell policies. Future support for Mac and Linux endpoints is in the works, and updates on the deprecation of the legacy WebRTC optimization will be communicated through Message Center Posts.
For more detailed information and FAQs, you can refer to the provided Microsoft article and resources linked within it. Stay tuned for further updates on this innovative VDI solution for Teams.
