Microsoft has announced a big update to the Outlook apps on Android and iOS, bringing along some of the most requested calendar features. There are some major additions here, particularly around shared calendars, but there are some smaller tweaks that should please Outlook users as well.
Most notably, Microsoft says Outlook users on both platforms will now be able to sync shared calendars. You'll be able to view and edit shared Office 365 or Outlook.com calendars. Outlook will also let you share your own calendars and accept invites. Microsoft says it is in the process of upgrading existing shared calendars so they can start syncing, so you may not see this show up right away. Support for managing delegate calendars is also rolling out, allowing you to manage someone else's calendar on the go.
Outlook also now supports a new calendar app called Meetup. "Now, when you connect your Meetup account to Outlook, you can see your upcoming Meetups directly on your calendar," Microsoft says.
In terms of smaller tweaks, both iOS and Android now support creating events with daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly recurrences. Both platforms also support RSVPs to a single occurrence of a recurring event. And while iOS already had the ability to see coworkers' availability when scheduling meetings, Android users can now do the same.
Lastly, iOS users have access to the following new features, which are set to come soon to Android:
- Add a message when responding to a meeting invite (e.g. explain why you are declining a meeting invitation.)
- Set an event as private, to keep the details to yourself when sharing your calendar.
- Mark your calendar events as Busy, Free, Out of Office, or Tentative.
If you're a heavy Outlook calendar user, these updates are likely a good sign. You can grab the latest version on Outlook on Google Play and on the App Store to check out all of what's new.
