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2025-02-03
Microsoft is rolling out an exciting update for Outlook on Mac, bringing it closer to its Windows and web counterparts with the inclusion of a long-awaited feature: message recall. This feature closely mirrors Apple’s Mail app “Undo Send,” which was introduced in 2022. The recall feature aims to address a common issue we all face – the regret after hitting “Send” on an email we wish we could take back. But how does Microsoft’s approach differ from Apple’s, and is it more effective? Let’s break it down.
Summary
Microsoft’s new recall feature for Outlook on Mac aims to help users retract emails after they’ve been sent. This feature is similar to Apple’s Undo Send, which also provides users with the option to cancel an email within a short period of time. However, Microsoft’s version is a bit more nuanced.
The recall function works only for messages between users with Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Exchange accounts within the same organization, meaning it’s restricted to internal communications. Unlike Apple’s Undo Send, which provides a buffer before sending, Microsoft’s recall lets users retract messages beyond the typical send delay—though it won’t work for non-Microsoft email accounts like Gmail or Hotmail.
The feature is currently in beta on Outlook for Mac and is expected to reach all users in the near future. It’s certainly a valuable addition for professionals, offering a greater sense of control over what gets sent.
What Undercode Says:
Microsoft’s of the recall feature to Outlook on Mac is a significant step forward in enhancing email communication control. In many professional settings, the ability to retract a message after clicking send is crucial. Whether it’s an embarrassing typo, a misaddressed email, or a message with potentially regrettable content, being able to take back an email can prevent awkward situations and preserve professionalism.
One of the key distinctions between Outlook’s recall feature and Apple’s Undo Send is the scope of use. While Apple’s feature only offers a brief delay before sending, Microsoft’s solution allows for a more substantial window, provided the email remains within the same organization and is sent between Microsoft 365 or Exchange accounts. This feature is well-suited for workplace environments, where internal communication often contains sensitive information.
However, this limited functionality—requiring both the sender and recipient to be using Microsoft’s services—also limits its appeal for general users. Unlike Apple’s solution, which has a more universal approach and can be used across any email provider, Microsoft’s recall feature is confined to a more specific ecosystem. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the user’s needs.
The ability to recall an email within a certain time frame offers a safety net for email users, particularly in professional settings where miscommunication can have significant consequences. This feature also signals a broader shift in email management, with more platforms recognizing the need to mitigate user error. While Apple’s Undo Send introduced the idea of providing a buffer period before sending emails, Microsoft has taken it a step further by allowing a true “unsend” functionality—though its limitations mean it won’t solve every issue.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that Microsoft’s feature is currently in beta, meaning there could be improvements or changes to its functionality in the final version. As for its availability to all users, it’s expected to roll out in the near future, bringing this powerful tool to professionals around the world. However, it’s unclear whether Microsoft will expand this functionality to work with external email services in the future.
Ultimately, while Apple’s Undo Send is a great, simple solution for the occasional email error, Microsoft’s recall feature is a more robust tool, though it comes with a more restricted scope. For users who primarily interact with others within the Microsoft ecosystem, this feature could prove invaluable. But for those relying on email services outside of Microsoft’s framework, the recall feature may not be as beneficial.
In conclusion, the recall feature in Outlook for Mac could be a game changer in the professional world, but its limitations in cross-platform compatibility leave room for Apple’s Undo Send to still hold an edge in terms of general accessibility. As both companies continue to improve their email services, it will be interesting to see how these features evolve and whether they can address the needs of a broader user base.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/03/microsoft-adding-one-of-apples-best-recent-mail-features-to-outlook-for-mac/
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