Outlook update brings features you can’t get on Gmail

Microsoft is dramatically souping-up Outlook for iPhone and iPad.

The Redmond firm has announced iPad users running Apple’s slick new iPadOS operating system will now be able to perform tasks in Split View. This means you’ll be able to meticulously sort through your inbox on one side of the tablet’s display while checking your availability in a calendar on the other half for instance, for example.

Microsoft is also promising Outlook users on iPad will soon be able to open multiple emails at once, too. That’s something that’s already supported in Apple’s default Mail app. But the feature will be a very welcome addition to anyone who has to live within the Outlook app for work.

And new iPad features don’t stop there.

Owners of the best-selling tablet series will soon be able to drag and drop items in and out of Outlook as well.

Microsoft is also making it easier for you to switch off from emails after an intense day at the office. The firm is introducing new Do Not Disturb options that’ll let you silence notifications for set periods of time.

So, if you’ve just left work and want uninterrupted peace, you can select the Until Tomorrow option to prevent any email alerts from coming through until the next day.

You can even schedule your silence, meaning you can ensure notifications never come through on weekends.

It’s worth noting Do Not Disturb for Outlook has been available on Android for some time, but iOS users are finally being treated to it.

Microsoft is also introducing a new future for its popular mail service that’ll allow users to integrate their LinkedIn accounts. In theory, this means if you’re emailing someone you’ll be able to quickly connect with them on the professional network.

Finally, Microsoft is also using artificial intelligence to help you clean up your mailbox. The firm has declared Outlook will “learn your preferences and suggest folders to help you quickly move your messages to the right spot”.

Discussing the improvement, the Redmond company said: “Our final update to share here is tailored for those of you who use folders to keep your email organised. If you move certain emails to designated folders repeatedly, Outlook will learn your preferences and suggest folders to help you quickly move your messages to the right spot.

“If we’re not sure, Outlook won’t suggest anything but if you frequently move messages from you’re office mate or your personal trainer to specific folders, for example, the next time you might just be pleasantly surprised that Outlook suggests that folder for you. Just so you can quickly take action and get on with your day.”

Microsoft has said the new features for Outlook should start arriving for users in the “coming weeks”.

All of the features described above are not available in Gmail, at least not to the same meticulous standard.

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