Send Availability feature removed from Outlook for iOS?

Question

I have been making regular use of the "Send Availability" feature in the Outlook app for iOS. Recently though, I can't seem to access this. Previously, there was a 'Calendar' button above the keyboard when replying to emails, which allowed easy selection of free timeslots in my Calendar. When I tap the Calendar button now, it just tries to create an event.

Hoping that I am missing something, rather than the feature having been removed?

Answer 1

I have been making regular use of the "Send Availability" feature in the Outlook app for iOS. Recently though, I can't seem to access this. Previously, there was a 'Calendar' button above the keyboard when replying to emails, which allowed easy selection of free timeslots in my Calendar. When I tap the Calendar button now, it just tries to create an event.

Hoping that I am missing something, rather than the feature having been removed?

What a huge loss. I used this everyday, shifting from my desktop to my iPhone so I would quickly send open slots in an email. Such a time saver.

Doing it other ways causes too much friction. #bringitbacknow

Answer 2

Wow. What a colossal fail. Which intern suggested that you REMOVE a feature that actually optimizes how we use outlook? Considering I spend 80% of my workday in meetings, and I don’t have a secretary (because this is life, not Mad Men), having a simple way to quickly book meetings across 10 timezones without messy calculations on an endless thread of emails is [was] a game changer. This feature actually made me use 365 MORE, not less. On my desktop, I use a clunky combination of apps like Calendly and Boomerang to send availability; but the iOS option was 10x better - simple, streamlined, and effective.

This was a bad decision.

Answer 3

I am very disappointed in this. The send availability feature was the only reason I started using the outlook app over the other native iOS mail app. If there is no plan to add this feature back I don’t see any value the outlook app adds.

Please bring it back.

Answer 4

Removing the send availability feature from the outlook app is a major disappointment. I have no idea how this decision could have possibly been approved by the product team. I am so frustrated that I will look at migrating our business to an alternative email platform. I have to be able to provide availability. In fact I should be able to provide availability and provide the recipient with the ability to book an appointment.

Answer 5

Send Availability was the best feature when trying to share your availability with people outside your organization. The suggested solution is not even close. I suggest Microsoft bringing it back, please.