Microsoft Outlook has a slightly creepy new way to keep track if you miss a big meeting
Microsoft has revealed that it is working on a new feature for Outlook that will allow users to monitor meetings that they cannot attend in person but still want to know more about.
The new “Follow” feature is offered as an RSVP option in addition to the usual Accept/Tentative/Decline choices, but is aimed more at people who may simply be too busy to join a phone call.
Instead, the new option will allow the user to receive information about what’s happening during the call, although what exactly this entails is still not 100% clear.
Microsoft Outlook “Follow”
The news of “Follow” was revealed in a new one after on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap, where it was described as “the ideal RSVP option for meetings you can’t attend but still want to stay involved and receive information about.”
To us, this suggests that users who select this option will initially be able to see who is attending a meeting, where it is taking place and for how long. After the call or meeting, they will likely receive some sort of summary, including action items and details of any follow-up meetings that are planned – all designed to keep them informed of the action.
Microsoft hasn’t really detailed what will be included in the new “Follow” tool, which is also described as “targeted at individuals with high meeting loads and conflicting meetings every day.”
It did add that other meeting participants will be able to see if someone is using the follow feature, suggesting this could be a good option for employees who want to stay extra involved or keep their noses in the juiciest work gossip.
The tool is expected to roll out in March 2024 and will initially be available to Outlook users on Windows desktop and web platforms, or as Microsoft calls them, “new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web.”
The update is the latest new feature to come to Outlook in recent months, after the email service launched an update that removes the annoying limit on attachment size when sending a message.
Instead, when attaching a large file that exceeds the maximum size limit, Outlook will now work with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage platform to ensure the process goes smoothly