MC1191612 – Interpreter agent in Teams calls

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Teams, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

526777

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will expand the Interpreter agent to support real-time speech-to-speech interpretation in calls starting January 2026 for users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Users can choose languages, adjust audio balance, and select voice options. It works best in structured conversations and requires policy configuration.

Details:
[Introduction]
We're expanding the Interpreter agent in Microsoft Teams to include real-time speech-to-speech interpretation for Teams calls. This brings the same functionality previously available in meetings to calls, enabling users to speak and listen in their preferred language.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 526777 and applies to Teams for Windows desktop.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early January 2026 and expect to complete by mid-January 2026.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out late January 2026 and expect to complete by early-February 2026.
Note: Government and Special clouds are not supported at this time, and there is no timeline for availability.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-12-03

updated:
2025-12-03

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Real-time Speech Interpretation
Without proper preparation, users may experience confusion or miscommunication during calls due to the need for structured conversations, which the Interpreter agent is optimized for. Fast-paced discussions may lead to misunderstandings or incomplete interpretations.
   - roles: Call Participants, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/interpreter-agent-teams, https://support.microsoft.com/office/interpreter-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-c7efe2bb-535d-42ab-a5c4-d2d91619b46d

Policy Configuration Requirements
If policies are not configured prior to the rollout, users may be unable to access the Interpreter feature during calls, leading to frustration and a lack of support for multilingual communication.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Helpdesk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoftteams/set-csteamscallingpolicy?view=teams-ps#-aiinterpreter, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoftteams/set-csteamscallingpolicy?view=teams-ps#-voicesimulationininterpreter

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that allows real-time speech-to-speech interpretation during calls. Imagine you're at a global conference with people speaking different languages. Traditionally, you might have a human interpreter sitting next to you, whispering translations into your ear. This new feature in Teams acts like that interpreter, but digitally. It translates spoken words in real-time, allowing participants to communicate seamlessly, even if they speak different languages.

Users with a Microsoft 365 Copilot license can choose the language they want to hear, adjust the audio balance between the original speaker and the interpreter, and even select a voice option. This could be compared to adjusting the volume on a radio to hear your favorite station more clearly. The voice simulation feature is like having a digital version of your own voice doing the interpreting, making the experience feel more personal.

This feature is best suited for structured conversations, similar to a formal meeting where each person takes turns speaking. It might not work as well in fast-paced discussions, much like how a human interpreter might struggle to keep up with a rapid exchange of ideas.

To enable this feature, certain policies need to be configured, similar to setting up permissions for accessing specific files or systems in a workplace. It's important to communicate to users that while this tool is powerful, it has its limitations and works best in specific scenarios.

In terms of compliance, the feature uses AI to process audio streams for interpretation, but it doesn't give users or admins direct access to raw data. This is akin to a security guard checking your ID at the door but not letting you access the entire building. The data handling follows Microsoft's privacy standards, ensuring that user information is protected.

Overall, this new interpretation feature in Teams calls aims to break down language barriers and facilitate smoother communication in a global work environment.