Outlook for Android and iOS Roadmap Update

The latest Outlook for Android and iOS applications, which are based on applications Microsoft acquired from Acompli, have received several recent updates. The improvements include better mobile device management (MDM) and authentication capabilities and enhancements to messaging and calendaring features. Microsoft is expected to continue regular updates to the mobile applications; however, the company prioritizes additions that benefit Office 365 customers, as some of the added capabilities cannot be used with Exchange accounts hosted on-premises or by third parties.

Mobile Device Management, Authentication Improved

Microsoft’s mobile roadmap for e-mail changed significantly in Jan. 2015 with the release of new free Outlook for Android and iOS applications based on technology acquired with Acompli in Nov. 2014. Microsoft says these new applications will eventually replace Outlook Web App (OWA) applications available for iOS and Android devices, which were previously Microsoft’s primary mobile e-mail applications for these platforms. (For an illustration, see “Outlook for Android and iPhone“.)