Android users with business email service through Microsoft Office 365 are in luck –today the company announced a preview version of their Outlook Web App (OWA) for your devices (as long as they are running Android 4.4 KitKat or higher, which may be a problem for many of you with devices that do not support this build). Similar in function to the existing Outlook app that was released for iOS last year, Outlook Web App provides all of the base functionality you need to manage your email, schedule and contacts securely from your smartphone.
If you qualify, you will be able to schedule meetings (including the ability to use the free/busy and room finder features), view shared calendars, use your voice to look up contacts or check your schedule, update your contacts’ information –all without using Exchange ActiveSync and all done from the palm of your hand while keeping your business data secure.
If you don’t qualify, there is no need to panic –Microsoft indicates that the reason for this pre-release is to “gather feedback, fix bugs, and generally make sure the app is ready for prime time.” They also noted that support for additional devices is already planned and will be added regularly.
Currently the Outlook Web App will not work for Outlook.com email accounts (formerly Hotmail) or Microsoft Office 365 Personal and Home Premium services, but but all expectations are that it will be extended to those services soon.
Jillian Koskie is an experienced software developer, content writer, project manager and usability design expert. With over 17 years in these roles, Jillian has enjoyed applying her skill-set to assist clients and users across a wide variety of sectors including: legal, health, and financial services. Combining these professional opportunities with a love of technology, Jillian is pleased to contribute articles, opinions, and advice to numerous news outlets, websites, and publications.
