Optimized Microsoft Teams

Configuring a preferred network interface

Starting with the 2304 version, you can configure a preferred network interface for media traffic. Run the following command in the terminal:

defaults write com.citrix.HdxRtcEngine NetworkPreference -int <value>

Select one of the following values as required:

• 1: Ethernet
• 2: Wi-Fi
• 3: Cellular
• 4: VPN
• 5: Loopback
• 6: Any

By default and if no value is set, the WebRTC media engine chooses the best available route.

Encoder performance estimator

The HdxRtcEngine.exe is the WebRTC media engine embedded in Citrix Workspace app that handles Microsoft Teams redirection. The HdxRtcEngine.exe can estimate the best encoding resolution that the endpoint’s CPU can sustain without overloading. Possible values are 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p.

The performance estimation process uses macroblock code to determine the best resolution that can be achieved with the particular endpoint. The Codec negotiation includes the highest possible resolution. The Codec negotiation can be between the peers, or between the peer and the conference server.

There are four performance categories for endpoints that have its own maximum available resolution:

To set the video encoding resolution value to 360p, run the following command from the terminal:

defaults write com.citrix.HdxRtcEngine OverridePerformance -int 1

For more information about Microsoft Teams optimization, see Optimization for Microsoft Teams.

Improved experience for optimized Microsoft Teams video conference calls

Starting with the 2304 version, by default simulcast support is enabled for optimized Microsoft Teams video conference calls. With this support, every call is adjusted to the proper resolution for the optimal call experience. This feature enhances the quality and experience of video conference calls across various endpoints.

With this improved experience, each user might deliver multiple video streams in different resolutions (for example, 720p, 360p, and so on). The video resolution depends on several factors including endpoint capability, network conditions, and so on. The receiving endpoint then requests the maximum quality resolution that it can handle and giving all users the optimum video experience.

Note:

This feature is available only after the roll-out of an update from Microsoft Teams. For information on ETA, go to https://www.microsoft.com/ and search for the Microsoft 365 roadmap. When the update is rolled-out by Microsoft, you can check CTX253754 for the documentation update and the announcement.

Limiting video resolutions

Administrators who have users on lower‑performance client endpoints can choose to limit incoming or outgoing video resolutions to decrease the impact of encoding and decoding video on those endpoints. Starting from Citrix Workspace app 2304 for Mac, you can limit these resolutions using client configuration options.

Note:

Users running with restricted resolutions impact the overall video quality of the conference because the Microsoft Teams server is forced to use the lowest‑common‑denominator resolution for all conference participants.

Call constraints are disabled by default on the client with Citrix Workspace app 2304. To enable, administrators must set the following client‑side configurations with the defaults command:

defaults write com.citrix.HdxRtcEngine <Name> -<Type> <Value>

Background blurring and replacement for Citrix Optimized Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2301 version, Citrix Optimized Microsoft Teams in Citrix Workspace app for Mac now supports background blurring and background replacement. You can use this feature by selecting More > Apply Background Effects when you are in a meeting or a P2P call.

Enhancement to sleep mode for optimized Microsoft Teams call

Previously, when you are in an optimized Microsoft Teams meeting, if there’s no mouse or keyboard interaction, Citrix Workspace app or the optimized Microsoft Teams screen might go to sleep mode.

Starting with the 2305 version, Citrix Workspace app or the optimized Microsoft Teams screen doesn’t go to sleep mode even if there’s no mouse or keyboard interaction during an optimized Microsoft Teams meeting.

Screen sharing optimization with Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2012 version, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports screen sharing optimization with Microsoft Teams. For more information, see the following:

• Optimization for Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Teams redirection

Microsoft Teams optimization support for seamless app sessions

Starting with the 2101 version, Citrix Workspace app for Mac now supports Microsoft Teams optimization for seamless app sessions. As a result, you can launch Microsoft Teams as an application from within the Citrix Workspace app. For more information, see the following:

• Optimization for Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Teams redirection

Support for Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) with Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2101 version, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signaling interaction with telephony systems (for example, PSTN) and conference calls in Microsoft Teams. This feature is enabled by default.

Enhancements in Desktop Viewer

When the Desktop Viewer is in full screen mode, the user can select one from all the screens covered by the Desktop Viewer to share. In the window mode, the user can share the Desktop Viewer window. In the seamless mode, the user can select one screen from the screens connected to the endpoint device. When the Desktop Viewer changes the window mode (maximize, restore, or minimize), the screen sharing stops.

When the user wants to share the screen, previews for all available screens appear in the screen sharing panel. Making it intuitive for users to select the right one from the previews.

Support for H.264 Advanced Video Coding (MPEG-4 AVC) with Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2109 version, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports hardware accelerated H.264 video encoding or decoding. It reduces the load on CPU usage and improves your video conferencing experience. The multimedia engine of Citrix HDX optimized Microsoft Teams (HdxRtcEngine.exe) now uses Apple’s Video Toolbox framework for encoding and decoding. This framework compresses and decompresses video faster and in real time. Also, the offloading of encoding and decoding to the GPU is optimized. Hardware-accelerated video decoding and encoding are enabled by default if a device supports it. This enhancement reduces the load on the CPU during multimedia usage when Microsoft Teams is optimized with HDX.

Dynamic e911

Starting With the 2112 version, Citrix Workspace app supports dynamic emergency calling. When used in Microsoft Calling Plans, Operator Connect, and Direct Routing, it allows you to do the following:

• Configure and route emergency calls.

• Notify security personnel.

Notification is provided based on the current location of the Citrix Workspace app running on the endpoint. It is not sent based on the Microsoft Teams client that runs on the VDA. Ray Baum’s law requires the 911 caller’s dispatchable location to be transmitted to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Starting from Citrix Workspace app 2112.1 for Windows, Microsoft Teams Optimization with HDX is compliant with Ray Baum’s law. For more information about this feature, see Support for dynamic e911 in the section Microsoft Phone System.

Request control in Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2112 version, you can request control during a Microsoft Teams call when a participant is sharing the screen. Once you have control, you can make selections, edits, or other modifications to the shared screen.

To take control when a screen is being shared, click Request control at the top of the Microsoft Teams screen. The meeting participant who’s sharing the screen can either allow or deny your request. When you’re done, click Release control.

Limitation:

The Request Control option isn’t available during peer-to-peer calls between an optimized user and a user on the native Microsoft Teams desktop client that is running on the endpoint. As a workaround, users can join a meeting to get the Request Control option.

Give or take control in Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2203.1 version, you can use the Give control button to give control of your shared screen to other users participating in the meeting. The other participants can make selections and modify the shared screen through keyboard, mouse, and clipboard input. You both now have the control of the shared screen and you can take back the control anytime.

To take control during screen sharing sessions, any participant can request control access through the Request control button. The person sharing the screen can then approve or deny the request. When you have the control, you can control the keyboard and mouse input on the screen shared and release the control to stop sharing control.

Note:

This feature is available only after the roll-out of a future update from Microsoft Teams.

Multi-window chat and meetings for Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2203.1 version, you can use multiple windows for chat and meetings in Microsoft Teams (1.5.00.5967 or higher) when optimized by HDX in Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Citrix DaaS. Users can pop out their conversations or meetings in various ways. For details on the pop-out window feature, see Microsoft Teams Pop-Out Windows for Chats and Meetings on the Microsoft Office 365 site.

If you’re running an older version of Citrix Workspace App or VDA, Microsoft can deprecate the single-window code in the future. However, you have a minimum of nine months to upgrade to a version of the VDA/CWA that supports multiple windows (2203 or later).

Note:

This feature is available only after the roll-out of a future update from Microsoft Teams. Got more details, see the Microsoft 365 roadmap.

Share apps using the ‘Share content’ feature in Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2203.1 version, you can share individual applications, windows, or full screen using the screen sharing feature in Microsoft Teams. Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent 2109 is a prerequisite for this feature. To show a specific application, click Share content in your meeting controls and select the application of interest. After a red border appears around the app you select, peers on the call can see your app. If you minimize the app, Microsoft Teams displays the last image from the shared app. Maximize the window to resume sharing.

Enhancements to Optimized Microsoft Teams

In optimized Microsoft Teams, you can now use the video function when more than one virtual desktop or app session is in use.

App Protection compatibility with HDX optimization for Microsoft Teams

Starting with the 2204 version, full monitor or desktop sharing is disabled when App Protection is enabled for the delivery group. When you click Share content in Microsoft Teams, the screen picker removes the Desktop option. You can only select the Window option to share any open app, if the VDA is 2109 or higher. If you’re connected to VDA older than 2019, no content is selectable.

Deprecation announcement of the SDP format (Plan B) from WebRTC

Citrix is planning to deprecate the current SDP format (Plan B) support from WebRTC in future releases. You must use a version of Citrix Workspace app that supports the Unified Plan to continue using certain optimized Microsoft Teams functionalities.