Microsoft has released new image backgrounds for the Teams video conferencing service, especially aimed at older Windows users.
The teams’ new backgrounds include the famous (and so often hated) Clippy clip, Microsoft’s popular Solitaire game, and the Paint drawing tool. The company also recovered the Windows XP Prairie, possibly the most iconic PC wallpaper of all time.
“As a little trip down the memory path can be good for the soul, and because after more than a year of remote and hybrid work, we could all use a little enthusiasm in video calling, we asked our designers to bring back some memorable moments from Microsoft as Team History” explains the company.
Virtual sets have become a popular tool to liven up video conferencing during the pandemic, providing remote workers with a way to hide their often cluttered homes or with personal items.
Throughout the year, Microsoft launched new funds depending on the seasons or cultural events such as Pride Month. The new nostalgia pack is not linked to any specific event.
Each of the teams’ new backgrounds is linked to a popular product in the Microsoft catalog.
Clippy, For example, debuted as a virtual assistant in Office 97. He spent the next few years harassing Microsoft Office users, albeit politely, before disappearing in 2001.
“Whether you love Clippy or hate Clippy, it’s hard not to smile – admit it – when you see him appear in a meme,” wrote Microsoft. You might think Clippy was too persistent, too anxious, maybe even too polite. We like to think that Clippy, OG’s true virtual assistant, was a bit ahead of his time. “
The new background pack also pays homage to iconic Solitaire and Paint apps, the iconic apps that have been preinstalled on Windows for years. Finally, Microsoft nods to Windows XP, reprinting the iconic prairie wallpaper for use in teams.
New Microsoft Teams backgrounds, along with hundreds of existing ones, can be downloaded through the Microsoft website.