Introduction
Microsoft has recently discontinued the legacy third-party API that allowed external hardware and applications to control Microsoft Teams meetings, including the Elgato Stream Deck. This abrupt change has left users of the Stream Deck, a popular smart home gadget, in a lurch. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes and offer alternative solutions.
Background on Elgato Stream Deck
Elgato Stream Deck is a versatile smart home gadget designed for livestreamers. It features programmable buttons and an extensive plugin library, making it a capable desktop productivity tool. Users can control various functions in Teams meetings, such as mute, camera, background blur, and reactions, through the original plugin.
The API Discontinuation
Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the required API through an internal message to Microsoft 365 administrators. This announcement was not publicly communicated to users, leading to confusion and criticism. The company's support documentation still lists the Stream Deck as a compatible device, but it does not provide a suitable replacement or clear instructions for users.
The Impact of the API Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the API has resulted in the loss of several features in Teams meetings. Users can no longer control functions such as mute, camera, background blur, and reactions through the Stream Deck. The only alternative is to treat the Elgato Stream Deck like a regular keyboard and manually assign Teams Keyboard shortcuts to the buttons. However, this workaround is far from reliable, as many of the previous integrations would be unavailable.
Alternative Solutions
For users who need to control Teams meetings, there are several alternative solutions. One option is to use the Elgato Stream Deck as a regular keyboard and manually assign Teams Keyboard shortcuts to the buttons. Another option is to use a third-party app, such as Teamster, which provides a more integrated solution. Users can also use other videoconferencing platforms, such as Zoom and Discord, which still support the Elgato Stream Deck.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the API by Microsoft has left users of the Elgato Stream Deck in a difficult position. While the device itself still works well with other videoconferencing platforms, users are now forced to rely on workarounds to control Teams meetings. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the changes and offer alternative solutions to help users adapt to the new situation.
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