New Ways To Use Your Voice In Microsoft Outlook

Did you know that 65% of people from 25 to 49 years old control their devices by voice at least once each day? This demographic also makes up the majority of the modern-day workforce. Is it any wonder, then, that the Microsoft Outlook app will now include voice-search features? This will make a difference for not just the internet generation but also people with disabilities who primarily use voice services to access or record information.

3 New Voice Features in the Microsoft Outlook App

Microsoft has spent the past year working hard to ensure its software products meet the changing demands of a dynamic workforce. Convenience and mobility have become increasingly important as work moves into recreational and residential spaces and out of the office. These are the voice-search features that Cortana — Microsoft’s virtual assistant — now brings to the table.

1. Complete Natural Language Searches

Voice search has grown in popularity over the past few years because virtual assistants now recognize natural languages. In the past, users had to speak specific phrases or speak as slowly and carefully as possible for devices to understand.

This is no longer the case. Now, you can complete even “long-tail” searches using your devices. For example, you can use the Microsoft Outlook app to say, “Find emails including attachments for the 2021 Employee Recruitment brochure.”

2. Tell Cortana To Schedule Meetings

Meetings are one of the least-liked work activities, but someone has to schedule them. If that person is you, procrastinating or forgetfulness could cause you to remember at the most inconvenient time. As long as a smart device with the Microsoft Outlook app is nearby, you could simply ask Cortana to get it done.

For example, you can say to Cortana, “Set up a meeting with Joe about the Q1 budget review for 2 p.m. on Monday.” Cortana can also contextualize questions about upcoming meetings. So, if you ask what time the next meeting is, you can count on an accurate response.

3. Dictate in Outlook Like a Pro

Workers are likely used to dictating responses to text messages or emails using voice. Some people have written entire books without once putting pen to paper or their fingers on a keyboard. Now, they can do the same with emails on the Microsoft Outlook app.

The Dictation tool makes it easy to respond to emails in a pinch. Microsoft has also fine-tuned the system, so it is less likely to spell names incorrectly. In fact, the dictation tool integrates with your address book to seek out saved contacts that match what you said most closely.

Cross-Platform Compatibility of the Microsoft Outlook App Voice Features

While the Microsoft Outlook app is available for Android and iOS, Microsoft has only released these features on the iOS platform, so far. Microsoft did say the features would come to Android soon, but it did not say when. By the time you read this article, these features could have already hit the Android market.

Cross-platform compatibility will also make it easier for workers to get work done when they don’t have access to a PC. For example, Apple devices only take commands through Siri. Being able to integrate Cortana into the mix via the Microsoft Outlook app improves the versatility and functionality of these devices.

The Future of Microsoft Outlook as Part of the Microsoft 365 System

Like many other software developers in the market, Microsoft has recognized that the way people work has changed, possibly forever. Companies that own a large market share in any industry are often guilty of allowing their smaller competitors to innovate ahead of them. Microsoft is committed to staying ahead of the game.

In fact, the company has promised that this is only the beginning of improvements it plans to make to its Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office products. That makes these products ideal options for companies who are also looking to adjust to changing realities about the modern-day workforce.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to migrate to the cloud to make use of the Microsoft Outlook app and its new voice features. However, cloud access expands the resources Cortana can pull from when asked to complete a search. Consequently, most companies looking to get the most out of Microsoft Office will want to migrate to the cloud.

At Cloudficient, our experienced migration specialists have helped our clients move large enterprises from legacy systems onto the cloud. We believe embracing technology, such as the updated Microsoft Outlook app, is the only way forward. So, we work hard to ensure our clients can stay one step ahead of their competitors. Are you ready to get your migration process started?

With unmatched next generation migration technology, Cloudficient is revolutionizing the way businesses retire legacy systems and transform their organization into the cloud. Our business constantly remains focused on client needs and creating product offerings that match them. We provide affordable services that are scalable, fast, and seamless.

If you would like to learn more about how to bring Cloudficiency to your migration project, visit our website, or contact us.