Microsoft is getting a new feature called "Themes by Copilot," which adds the ability to use dynamic AI-driven themes in Microsoft Outlook. You'll need a Copilot Pro subscription to start using it, and it's just one of the many ways AI can benefit your M365 workflows. Related: What can Copilot Pro do for users? Themes by Copilot allows you to specify the types of themes you want to use in Outlook, which are then auto-generated by Microsoft's Copilot generative AI tool. Theme designs can be based on location or weather, and the aesthetics can be in realistic, oil painting, or cartoon styles.

Since 2019, Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant has allowed you to listen to emails that land in your Outlook mobile inbox. Nearly two years later, Microsoft is making voice a much more significant part of the Outlook experience. Starting with the iOS version of the software (with Android to follow), you can use your voice to dictate emails, schedule meetings and conduct searches. To access Outlook's new capabilities, tap the plus icon floating above the app's main navigation bar and then press the "Use Voice" prompt. You can ask Cortana things like "When's my next team meeting?" or for more complex requests like "Set up a meeting with Jill and her team for next Monday about the Q1 budget."

For the last two years, the popular x.ai virtual personal assistant has been helping Google Calendar users manage their meetings. Today, x.ai is finally coming to Microsoft calendars, with support for Office 365 and Outlook.com, as the company moves closer to the release of its paid business edition later this year. "Microsoft pretty much owns the enterprise, and as we move towards the launch of our professional edition, this could not come at a better time. Getting market share and working with Microsoft somewhat rhymes," x.ai CEO and founder Dennis R. Mortensen says. Just copy "amy@x.ai" to your email, and "Amy Ingram," your personal AI assistant, will handle the annoying parts of finding a time that works for both parties.