Skype for Business conferencing disclaimer

This isn’t a new feature, but one I was recently asked about so I thought it’s worth mentioning again.

When we’re sending a Skype for Business meeting invite (either as a planned meeting via Outlook or as an ad-hoc meeting) we can configure the server to send a meeting disclaimer to all meetings (unfortunately this can only be set at a global level and will affect all of your meetings) to confirm the users joining the meeting have agreed to the T&Cs of the meeting and ticked a box to accept them and join the meeting.

The experience is pretty much identical across all platforms:

Skype for Business client:

Lync MX client:

Skype for Business mobile client:

Skype for Business Web App:

users who dial in to the meeting will not hear the disclaimer.

To set the disclaimer we run a pretty simple command:

Set-CsConferenceDisclaimer -Header “Welcome to y0av.com” -Body “Meetings are pure fun with Skype for Business”

Lync 2013 app for Windows Phone preparing for Skype for Business

An update for the Lync 2013 app for Windows Phone was just released, taking the app to version 5.9.1371.0.

I noticed no major changes (could be quicker but I believe this is only wishful thinking…), however the app description states clearly that Lync will soon become Skype for Business:

When the app is started there’s a one-time screen confirming a change is coming:

Download the update from Windows Store.

Lync for Windows Phone update—more settings for voice calls – Office Blogs

As published in the Lync blog today, Lync for Windows Phone has more settings for voice calls:

VoIP always—The device will use a Wi-Fi connection, if available, to place the call. If Wi-Fi isn’t available, the device will defer to the 3G/4G data plan and the Lync voice calls will be initiated over that connection.

VoIP over Wi-Fi only— The device will use a Wi-Fi connection, if available, to place the call. If Wi-Fi can’t be found, this setting instructs the Lync mobile service to connect you using Call via Work—placing a call to your phone first, then to the destination number.

Cellular—The Lync mobile service will directly place a call to your phone number using Call via Work and then complete the call to the destination.

Read the full article in the official Lync blog:

http://blogs.office.com/2014/12/10/lync-windows-phone-update-settings-voice-calls/

Windows Phone Lync 2013 App update – April 2014

Woke up this morning with an update to the Windows Phone Lync app 🙂

This update brings the app to version 5.4.1087.0.

First thing you can see is the GUI change. There’s no more a screen for your profile, instead, the user’s photo is on the right side of the screen, and touching will activate the user menu:

You also have the option to see your favourites in a different screen:

I must admit the app seems a little faster, but maybe it’s just wishful thinking.

Most sharing features work, such as PowerPoint, Program sharing and desktop sharing:

PowerPoint presentation

Program sharing

Desktop sharing on WP8.1 Lync app

Polls, Whiteboard and Q&A cannot be viewed on this app.

Download the app here.

Windows 8.1 Lync App – March 2014 update

Microsoft announced the release of the March 2014 Lync App update.

This update brings some cool new features, but I had to force the update through the Windows Store. Eventually, it showed up:

Once installed, the first thing you can see is the change in the log-in screen. Guest log-in is now below the user log-in:

Once logged in, Lync will tell you it was updated:

The first change you see is the big “Meet Now” button on the left:

As soon as you touch it – it launches a new meeting. Unfortunately, you can’t see the meeting entry info like you do with the Desktop client, but you now have the option to invite people using the people menu:

Control over participants is easier and useful:

One more nice thing is that now you have all the controls at the bottom of the screen:

Additional changes:

Send a private IM to a participant
View contact cards
Demote a presenter to an attendee
Promote an attendee to a presenter
Invite new participants
Mute a single participant
Mute all audience
Remove a participant from the meeting
Admit people waiting in the lobby