Microsoft has launched a native, yet hugely scaled back, version of its Outlook Web App for iOS devices like the Apple iPhone and iPad.
The free app aims to bring iOS users faster access to email, calendar and contacts when using their business accounts.
However, not everyone is going to be able to make full use of it. The app is only open to annual Office 365 subscribers and the user’s IT administrator must be running the latest version of Exchange Online.
If you’re one of the few users to meet those requirements then you can say hello to OWA (Outlook Web App) for iPhone and OWA for iPad, which are both available to download now.
Users are able to switch between the Mail, Calendar and People portions ofd the app by tapping the icon at the bottom left corner of the screen. There’s also the opportunity to hold the icon and dictate emails and appointments using their voice.
The apps include contact sync, push notifications, meeting reminders and voice actions. Administrators will also be able to wipe data from the app if the iPhone or iPad is lost.
The launch is a similar story to Microsoft’s recent launch of Office Mobile for iPhone and iPod touch. That app also requires an Office 365 subscription in order to read, create or edit Word and Excel documents.
Microsoft’s strategy appears to be to open up services like Office and Outlook to iOS users, but without offering the full functionality available within the Windows app.
After all, it wouldn’t want people buying iPhones and iPods instead of Windows Phone handsets and Surface tablets, would it?
Via PC World
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
