Microsoft is retiring Teams’ Together Mode

Microsoft launched Teams' Together Mode during the pandemic to give the illusion of a bunch of people sitting in a conference room together, even if they were really sitting at home without pants on. But times have changed, and it's now being retired in favor of a more simplified Teams experience.

The feature used AI to cut your head and shoulders out, and place you in a virtual space with others in the meeting. It could definitely feel gimmicky - especially when you'd tap coworkers on the shoulder, or give virtual high fives - but it did limit visual distractions.