While the "new" Outlook app for Windows was released by Microsoft in September 2023, many users continue to rely on the older "classic" Outlook email app. Today, Microsoft announced that the Copilot generative AI assistant, a key feature in the new Outlook Windows app, has been gradually introduced to the classic Outlook Windows app over the past few months.
Copilot AI Assistant Features Now in Classic Outlook
In a recent blog post, Microsoft revealed that the Copilot features now available in the classic Outlook for Windows app include Summarize, which provides a brief overview of lengthy email threads. Users can access this feature through the new “Summarize” button located in the top right corner when viewing an email.
Additional Copilot features in the classic Outlook app comprise Coaching, which offers suggestions for improving email composition, and Draft, which assists in creating complete email messages based on minimal text input that can be further edited.
Future Rollout Plans
Microsoft has announced plans to introduce the Copilot for Microsoft 365 chat experience to the classic Outlook app for Current Channel users in June, followed by Monthly Enterprise Channel users in August. According to Microsoft:
Copilot in Outlook enables users to compose emails, seek information, summarize multiple email exchanges, and access enterprise data such as chats, documents, meetings, and emails seamlessly within the Outlook interface.
Microsoft has assured users that more Copilot features will be added to the classic Outlook Windows app in the future. These features will initially be available in the new Outlook for Windows app and the web Outlook app, followed by the Mac Outlook app and Outlook for mobile devices. The classic Outlook for Windows app is expected to receive new Copilot features within 3 to 12 months after their introduction to other Outlook apps, depending on the specific feature.