Microsoft Corp. has updated its Outlook mobile app for iOS users to make it easier to schedule meetings while away from your desk. The feature allows you to see coworkers’ availability, the same information available on the desktop version of Outlook.

This iOS Outlook update follows the integration of Maps and Skype for Business that the company introduced for the iOS and Android apps in September. These latest updates make Outlook, which according to Microsoft has more than 400 million users, more competitive on mobile.

To make use of the new scheduling feature your iOS Outlook app needs to be connected to an Office 365 or Exchange account, not the consumer-focused Outlook.com.

Here’s a look at how you can schedule meetings with co-workers on the updated iOS Outlook app:

How to schedule meetings while on the go

Create an event in your Outlook calendar on your iOS device > in the People field, add your co-workers.

Tap the date picker and a color coding system will display which time works for everyone.

• White: The day will display in white if the selected time works for all invitees.
• Yellow: If the day displays in yellow the selected time doesn’t work, but there are other available times that work for all attendees.
• Red: When the day is displayed in red no times work for all attendees on the selected day.  

Tap the time picker and drag and drop the meeting in the calendar until it turns green, which indicates all attendees are available. Complete the other details in your meeting > tap the checkmark to save and send your meeting request.

Last month, Microsoft introduced Outlook.com Premium, a service that will normally cost $50 per year, but the preview edition is being offered to U.S. consumers for $20 per year. Outlook.com Premium offers an ad-free inbox, up to five personalized email addresses (free for the first year), enhanced security, privacy, and reliability features.  

Image via Microsoft