MC841218 – (Updated) Microsoft Outlook for iOS and Android: The Dictation feature will retire in September 2024 (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Android, iOS, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Retirement, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The Dictation feature in Microsoft Outlook for iOS and Android will be retired in September 2024. Organizations with users utilizing this feature should inform them and update documentation, as no admin action is needed for this change.

Details:
Updated July 30, 2024: We have updated the content below to provide additional information. Thank you for your feedback.
Note: If your organization does not support iOS or Android, you can ignore this message.
We will be retiring the Dictation feature from Microsoft Outlook for iOS and Android starting early September 2024 and ending by late September 2024. In Outlook for iOS and Android a system microphone is available to users while working in the app. The dictation option in the Outlook compose toolbar represented a duplication of functionality. We suggest that users use the system microphone for dictation in Outlook for iOS and Android.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2024-07-30

updated:
2024-08-02

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

- Impact on IT Operations
- Potential increase in support tickets related to user confusion or dissatisfaction due to the removal of the Dictation feature.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians
- Need for monitoring and assessment of user adaptation to the new dictation method using the system microphone.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators

- Impact on IT Services
- Changes in user workflows may lead to temporary disruptions in productivity as users adjust to the new dictation method.
- Roles impacted: End Users, Project Managers
- Possible integration issues with third-party applications that rely on the Dictation feature, affecting overall service delivery.
- Roles impacted: Application Administrators, Integration Specialists

- Impact on IT Users
- Users who heavily relied on the Dictation feature may experience frustration and decreased efficiency, impacting their overall work performance.
- Roles impacted: All End Users, especially those in roles requiring extensive communication (e.g., Sales, Customer Support)
- Users may need additional training or resources to adapt to the new dictation method, leading to a temporary learning curve.
- Roles impacted: Training Coordinators, Team Leaders

- Impact on IT Administrators
- Administrators will need to proactively communicate the change and provide guidance to users, which may require additional time and resources.
- Roles impacted: IT Administrators, Communication Managers
- Documentation updates will be necessary to reflect the change, requiring collaboration across teams to ensure consistency and clarity.
- Roles impacted: Documentation Specialists, IT Policy Managers

- Dependencies and Interdependencies
- The change may affect related Microsoft 365 services that integrate with Outlook, necessitating a review of dependencies to ensure continued functionality.
- Roles impacted: IT Architects, Systems Analysts
- Collaboration tools that utilize dictation features may need to be assessed for compatibility and user experience post-change.
- Roles impacted: Collaboration Tool Administrators, User Experience Designers

References:
- Microsoft 365 Apps Documentation: [Microsoft 365 Apps](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/?view=o365-worldwide)
- Microsoft Outlook Updates: [Microsoft Outlook](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/outlook/email-and-calendar-software-microsoft-outlook)

Opportunities**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only