Microsoft Outlook is getting a stylish makeover with the introduction of dynamic, AI-powered themes. Starting today, the company is rolling out a new feature called Themes by Copilot, which uses artificial intelligence to customize and personalize the appearance of your Outlook inbox. However, to take full advantage of these new themes, users will need to have a Copilot Pro or business license.
These new AI-driven themes will be available across all Outlook platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, aiming to enhance the user experience by making the email client more visually appealing and easier to navigate. According to Microsoft, the goal is to make Outlook “more beautiful and approachable,” with a greater emphasis on personalization.
Personalized Themes Powered by AI
The standout feature of the new update is the ability to create themes that are not only visually engaging but also context-aware. Users can select themes that dynamically update based on real-world factors like the weather, location, or even time of day. For example, if you enable location permissions in Outlook, the app can automatically generate a My Location theme, offering imagery inspired by your current surroundings. Whether you’re at home or traveling, the theme will adjust accordingly, updating as you move from one location to another or even as the weather changes.
You can set the frequency of updates for your theme as well, choosing to have it refresh every few hours, daily, weekly, or monthly. This dynamic approach ensures that your Outlook environment stays fresh and relevant, providing a more immersive experience every time you open the app.
New Visual Design Elements
Each AI-generated theme comes with a unique background wallpaper for the desktop version of Outlook, which also extends to the top section of the mobile apps (iOS and Android). Along with the wallpaper, each theme also features an accent color that permeates the rest of the Outlook interface, giving a cohesive look and feel to the entire client.
While AI-powered themes are locked behind a Copilot license, Microsoft is still offering a selection of non-AI-powered themes that can be accessed by all users, regardless of their subscription. These simpler themes include options in colors like green, red, and purple, and they’re available across the web and all major versions of Outlook (PC, Mac, and mobile).
More Personalization and Flexibility
By integrating AI into its themes, Microsoft is enhancing Outlook’s personalization capabilities, making it more adaptable to individual preferences. The new feature represents a step forward in the company’s ongoing push to create a more engaging and user-centric email experience. Whether you’re looking for a serene, weather-inspired backdrop or a theme that reflects your specific location, Outlook now offers a more customizable, visually appealing interface.
To sum up, while anyone can enjoy the basic color themes, those with a Copilot license will unlock a range of dynamic, AI-driven options that make Outlook not only smarter but also more in tune with your personal or professional environment. It’s a smart move for Microsoft, blending AI with everyday productivity tools to keep your inbox looking fresh and personalized at all times.
