Microsoft Planner is now simply called Planner. This change signifies a streamlined, unified experience for task and project management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
The Evolution and Renaming of Microsoft Planner
The transition to the new "Planner" name reflects Microsoft's effort to consolidate its various task management tools into a single, comprehensive application. Previously, users within Microsoft Teams interacted with an application known as "Tasks by Planner and To Do."
Effective March 2024, the application in Microsoft Teams was officially renamed to Planner. A corresponding web experience for this new Planner app is also slated to roll out later in 2024, providing a consistent interface across platforms.
Key Aspects of the New Planner Experience
The rebranded Planner app aims to offer a more cohesive and powerful platform for managing work, whether for individual tasks, team projects, or organizational initiatives. It integrates functionalities previously scattered across different Microsoft services.
Key features and benefits of the new Planner include:
- Unified Task Management: Consolidates tasks from various Microsoft 365 applications, offering a centralized view for all your work.
- Simplified Project Planning: Provides intuitive tools to organize, track, and collaborate on projects, helping teams stay on schedule and achieve their goals.
- Seamless Integration: Designed to work effortlessly within Microsoft Teams, ensuring that planning and execution happen where team communication occurs.
- Enhanced Capabilities: The new experience is built to be more robust, potentially incorporating advanced features and artificial intelligence (AI) to further streamline workflows.
Name Transition Overview
The table below summarizes the naming convention change for the application within Microsoft Teams:
| Old Name (in Teams) | New Name (in Teams & Web) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks by Planner and To Do | Planner | March 2024 |
This strategic renaming simplifies the product lineup and provides a clearer identity for Microsoft's primary task and project management solution. Users can now expect a more integrated and efficient way to organize their work directly within Microsoft Teams and via a dedicated web application. For more information on Microsoft Planner and its capabilities, you can explore the official Microsoft 365 productivity tools resources.
