Nextcloud Talk instead of MS Teams

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Nextcloud is significantly expanding its video conferencing, telephony and chat software with a comprehensive update of Talk. The new version, called Munich, is intended in particular to add functions that customers want when switching from previously used US platforms such as Microsoft Teams. According to Nextcloud, these include a "fully hybrid working environment" and an enhanced Talk Phone.

Nextcloud defines the former as a central dashboard that summarizes upcoming appointments and reminders as well as important chat messages in which the user is mentioned. New conversations can also be set up here, users can join open meetings or configure their own devices – webcam, microphone and so on. The developers have also redesigned the Talk sidebar; in addition to the shared files, tasks and chats, it now displays further information about the other participants in a meeting. This includes the role of a colleague in their own company, as well as their location and local time. According to the announcement, this data comes from the "improved calendar and address book integration".

Previously, Talk Phone could be used to connect a user to group calls via the phone or invite them from a meeting via a call. What is new is that each user on the server can now be centrally assigned their own extension or telephone number. This allows calls to be made directly in Talk if desired. The new function can also automatically forward incoming calls if the user is on vacation, for example. The feature requires a SIP service.

Fewer clicks

Other new functions include the fact that individual calls can now be extended to group meetings: Additional users can be added easily. Nextcloud Talk creates a new conversation with all participants during the call. In addition, the software can now automatically delete, archive or keep the meeting rooms from one-off calls if desired. In future, such temporary conversations will remain hidden before the appointment, which the developers hope will avoid "clutter and confusion".

Nextcloud has also tackled the notification system: Talk's desktop client now automatically adopts the availability status of the operating system. For example, a user is marked as "Away" when they lock the computer screen. Furthermore, the software can now be set up to notify users of important messages even when they are in focus mode or on vacation. To do this, users only need to mark any conversations as "important", after which Talk will also display new messages in "Do not disturb" mode. Finally, the Talk icon – shows the number of open notifications in the taskbar or in the dock –, for example.

App updates and a little more security

There are also other minor updates: the desktop client now also accepts the individual branding of a company, whereas previously this was only possible in the web application. Photos and videos can be shared more easily in the smartphone apps, and iOS shortcuts allow users to automate actions in Talk and use them with Siri.

There are also two updates in the area of security: Secure View, which protects documents uploaded to Nextcloud from unauthorized access and sharing, now also works with external shares. Users can also mark chats as confidential and thus hide the last message from the chat list or messenger and message content in the notifications. On the one hand, this content is protected from third parties during presentations with a shared screen, and on the other hand, it is not immediately visible in public spaces.

Away from Microsoft and Google

With Talk, Nextcloud now wants to explicitly compete with the dominant US companies with "tools for digital collaboration". The software is generally aimed at "companies, authorities and other organizations". Frank Karlitschek, CEO of Nextcloud, emphasizes: "Today, no one can rule out the availability of digital platforms being used as political leverage. Companies and authorities must act now to protect themselves from geopolitical knee-jerk reactions." The demand for Nextcloud has more than tripled by 2025. And not just from Europe, where the greatest demand comes from: "We are also seeing a significant increase in global inquiries, for example from Canada, Latin America and even the USA. Many are specifically asking for a migration from their Microsoft or Google platform," explains Karlitschek.

All details about the Talk update can be found in the release notes on the Nextcloud blog. With MS Teams, Nextcloud will be taking on the second dominant Office service from the USA in a few days' time. Nextcloud has also announced a Microsoft 365 competitor together with Ionos, which is set to launch in 2025.

(fo)