Chomp! Slurp! Glug! Many of us can't stand to hear our co-workers munch on the crispiest snacks and chug the fizziest drinks. Microsoft, aware of our aversion to others' chewing and smacking, is launching innovative AI to filter out cringe-inducing sounds, CNET reported (via Gizmodo).
Microsoft Teams will implement a new technology to its software that can identify your voice and filter out extraneous audio, including the hum of your neighbor's lawnmower, your dog's incessant barking -- and yes -- even you chomping through a bag of Doritos.
- Coronavirus leads to free video conferencing software from Microsoft, Google and more
- Microsoft update causes sound and internet issues: Here's how to fix it
- Microsoft Office 365 might get a rebrand at upcoming virtual event
"With the power of AI, Teams can remove that background noise and you can understand me very clearly," Robert Aichner, Microsoft's Principal Program Manager, said during a press demonstration while fussing with a bag of chips. According to CNET, the AI did indeed -- as Aicher promised -- filter out all extraneous noises.
The Redmond-based tech giant calls this technology "real-time noise suppression." This forward-thinking AI couldn't have come at a more appropriate time as more workplaces around the world are working from home and hopping on video calls to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a while for real-time noise suppression to be featured on Microsoft Teams; the technology won't be available until later this year.
Until then, if you're social distancing and relying on videoconferencing meetings for work, please be more considerate of your co-workers before chomping away on potato chips and slurping your soda -- your Doritos and Pepsi can wait.
