Looking for a simpler way to manage your Microsoft Team calls? João Ferreira, a Microsoft MVP, managed to create a custom Stream Deck for Microsoft teams and shared some tips to help you design your own, too.
Named “FreeTouchDeck,” it’s a budget-friendly device that works the same as a Stream Deck (which costs around $ 120). It aims to make streaming easier for users by providing a set of buttons to perform quick actions. The Stream Deck uses keyboard shortcuts to trigger various actions like mute, raise your hand, split screen, and end calls.
Customized flow platform for # TeamsMicrosoft and #The Windows takes shape with all the functions configured using #FluentUI and native Teams icons 😄 pic.twitter.com/vizw6uSGdE
– João Ferreira (@ Joao12Ferreira) January 23, 2021
Interestingly, this is an open source project and Microsoft Teams users can find all the instructions for implementing it on GitHub and YouTube. In short, all we need are hardware components like an ILI9488 TFT + XPT2046 touch controller, an Arduino IDE, and a few hand tools and manufacturing machines to build it.
The developer believes users can create a custom Stream Deck for $ 20 in under an hour. The configurator should make it easier for them to customize buttons, menus, colors and logos. It is also possible to design button logos and upload them.
It’s good to see that IoT enthusiasts are filling in the gaps left in the selection of officially Teams certified devices. As working from home becomes a new normal, we’ll likely see more and more people getting creative with the Teams collaboration platform. However, Microsoft has yet to develop similar affordable solutions that can help people speed up their workflow.
