Microsoft Introduces AI-Powered Dynamic Themes for Outlook

Microsoft Outlook gets dynamic AI themes that change throughout the day

With Copilot Pro and Outlook, you can now experience AI-generated themes on demand. 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. Additionally, you can choose how often the theme's background is updated in Outlook, keeping your email app fresh and visually interesting throughout the day. It's small but interesting. Themes by Copilot is currently available in Microsoft Outlook for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the web app. If you're ready to pay for premium AI, this kind of deeper integration of AI into Microsoft 365 apps is one reason to prefer Copilot Pro over ChatGPT Plus. If you work in Word, Excel, and Outlook all day every day, Copilot Pro is growing into a handy tool to have.

Microsoft Outlook Now Lets You Use AI-Powered Dynamic Themes

These AI-powered dynamic themes will also update automatically Microsoft Outlook was updated with a new personalisation feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) on Thursday. The feature, dubbed 'Themes by Copilot' is a dynamic theme generator. The feature will allow users to add customised themes that update automatically based on the current real-world conditions. The feature is currently rolling out to individual accounts with Copilot Pro subscription as well as business accounts with the Copilot add-on. The company is also revealed that it is rolling out non-Copilot static themes for all users. The company announced the rollout of AI-powered dynamic themes for Outlook via a blog post. The tech giant redesigned the email client in September 2023, but this is the first time Outlook has received support for dynamic themes. With Themes by Copilot in Outlook, users can take advantage of the AI chatbot to generate personalised themes. The AI-powered dynamic themes can be based on locations or weather. There are 100 locations across the globe users can choose from or select their own location. Once the user's location is available, Copilot will generate a theme inspired by it. Just like the weather-based themes, these dynamic themes update automatically based on real-world conditions. For instance, these themes can automatically change between day and night or between different weather types based on the weather at the location. These AI themes will be available on all platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, as well as on the web. On the desktop interface, Outlook will get a background wallpaper. On the mobile interface, the top of the app will show the theme. Additionally, both interfaces will also get thematic accent colours, according to the company. Microsoft says that the new AI themes are available for individual accounts with a Copilot Pro subscription. Business accounts with the Copilot add-on will also be able to access the feature. While users on the free tier of the email client will not get Copilot-supported AI themes, they can access new non-Copilot static themes. Users can now choose between deep green, red, or purple themes.

Themes by Copilot: Microsoft now lets users customize Outlook with AI

Microsoft is introducing a new layer of personalization to Outlook with the launch of AI-powered themes, known as "Themes by Copilot." This feature, designed for both individual users and businesses, allows Outlook users with a Copilot Pro consumer subscription or business license to create dynamic themes that reflect their unique preferences and surroundings. Available across Outlook on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and the web, this new feature leverages AI to make the app interface not only functional but visually engaging. Themes by Copilot allow users to create themes based on the local weather, their current location, or even a specific destination chosen from over 100 pre-curated spots. These themes aren't static either; users can set them to update at different intervals, such as every few hours, daily, weekly, or monthly, adding a fresh visual twist each time they open their inbox. Microsoft believes these personalized visuals will make using Outlook feel more welcoming and tailored to individual tastes. "Just as you might personalize your workspace with artwork or decor, these themes allow users to make their Outlook experience more engaging and welcoming," the company stated in a blog post. This release marks one of the first integrations of dynamic AI theming into a productivity app, showcasing Microsoft's commitment to merging functionality with creative expression. One standout feature of Themes by Copilot is its ability to create themes that adapt to real-world factors, such as location and weather. For instance, the "My Location" feature generates theme visuals that reflect the user's current surroundings, whether they're at home, on a business trip, or on vacation. If location permissions are enabled, the theme will automatically update to reflect the user's locale, offering visuals inspired by the geography, culture, or landmarks of the area. Additionally, a weather-based theme option allows users to see a visual representation of the day's weather within their Outlook app, providing an extra layer of contextual information at a glance. Microsoft Copilot now reads, thinks, and speaks Microsoft envisions these themes as a digital extension of one's workspace personalization, noting that "beautiful, personal digital surroundings" can enhance users' experience and engagement with the app. As users move throughout the day, their Outlook interface can reflect these changes, adding an element of immersion and adaptability that was previously unavailable. Themes by Copilot can be accessed directly through Outlook's Appearance Settings. Within this menu, users can either select a theme from pre-existing topics or opt for a custom theme setup. This guided experience allows users to specify their theme's visual style -- choosing between realistic, oil painting, or cartoon aesthetics -- and set how frequently they want their theme to update. For added personalization, each theme includes an accent color that complements the chosen visuals, extending the theme across the entire Outlook interface for a cohesive look. Microsoft has made these AI-powered themes intuitive and easy to modify. Users can revisit their Appearance Settings anytime to switch themes or adjust the frequency of updates. This ease of customization, combined with the diversity of visual options, allows users to refresh their Outlook experience as frequently as they like, creating a more engaging and dynamic interaction with their email client. For those without access to Themes by Copilot, Microsoft has also introduced a new set of non-AI-powered themes. These themes, available across all Outlook platforms -- desktop, web, and mobile -- come in vibrant colors, including green, red, and purple. Designed to enhance the Outlook interface without requiring a Copilot subscription, these themes bring more personalization options to every user. Microsoft explained that while Themes by Copilot offers an advanced personalization experience, the non-AI themes ensure that every user can enjoy a more visually appealing Outlook, whether they prefer subtle or bold color accents. The company emphasized that these updates are part of an ongoing mission to make Outlook "more beautiful and approachable" for all users. Themes by Copilot is the latest addition to a growing suite of AI tools in Outlook. In recent months, Microsoft has introduced several AI-powered features to its productivity apps, aiming to improve efficiency and user engagement. In Outlook, Copilot already supports drafting assistance, email summarization, and inbox prioritization. The new "Prioritize My Inbox" feature, expected to roll out to commercial users in late 2024, will further enhance productivity by analyzing emails and organizing them based on relevance to the user's role. The addition of Themes by Copilot complements these productivity features by addressing the visual experience of Outlook. By combining practical tools with aesthetic customization, Microsoft aims to create a more holistic experience that caters to both functional and emotional aspects of user engagement. These innovations reflect Microsoft's vision of an Outlook that is not only a powerful communication tool but also a space where users feel comfortable and personally connected. Themes by Copilot is part of a broader wave of AI enhancements across Microsoft's product ecosystem. On the same day as the Outlook announcement, Microsoft rolled out AI-powered tools for Notepad and Paint to Windows Insiders. Notepad's new AI features include a "Rewrite" tool that assists with rephrasing, tone adjustments, and content length modifications, while Paint introduced Generative Fill and Generative Erase tools for advanced image editing based on text prompts. These features are currently in preview for Windows 11 users in select regions, including the U.S., U.K., France, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Microsoft's aim is to incorporate Copilot across a wide range of applications, making everyday tools more versatile and intuitive through AI-driven enhancements. These updates reinforce Microsoft's strategy of using AI to enhance the user experience across its suite of apps, from visual customization in Outlook to text and image editing in Notepad and Paint. Microsoft has expressed enthusiasm about how Themes by Copilot will enhance user engagement in Outlook. "We can't wait to see what you create," the company stated, inviting users to explore this new level of customization. With these enhancements, Microsoft hopes to transform the daily experience of Outlook users by making it as unique as they are.

Microsoft Outlook now lets you create personalized AI-powered themes

Microsoft announced on Thursday that Outlook is getting a new feature that will allow you to use generative AI to create themes based on your personal preferences. AI-powered themes are available to people who have a Copilot Pro consumer subscription and business accounts with Copilot enabled. They are available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and the web. With Themes by Copilot, you can build a theme inspired by over 100 locations or create a theme based on your own location. You can decide if you want the theme to dynamically update every few hours, each day, weekly, or monthly. Once you generate a theme, you can choose to view it in a realistic, oil painting, or cartoon style. "If you've enabled location permissions in Outlook, the My Location theme will bring you imagery uniquely inspired by your locale, dynamically updating for you as you head out the door on a trip or vacation," Microsoft wrote in a blog post. "Similarly, a dynamic theme based on the weather would be updated to reflect the current weather conditions where you are." You can access the AI-generated themes via Outlook's Appearance Settings. The company says the new addition will allow people to personalize the email service just as they would spruce up their desk with artwork or candles. Although the new AI capability doesn't offer any additional functionality, it does provide a fun way to personalize your email app. While both Microsoft and Google have been working to bring AI-powered productivity features to their email services, Gmail does not currently offer AI themes (Chrome does), which means Outlook users now have a bit more creative freedom. Thursday's announcement comes a day after Microsoft brought AI-powered features to Notepad and Paint. Windows Insiders are getting access to a "Rewrite" tool that will let them rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify the length of their content with the help of AI. As for Paint, Windows Insiders will get access to new AI image editing tools, including a Generative Fill feature that lets you make edits and additions using text prompts. A new Generative erase feature will let you remove unwanted objects from your artwork. Microsoft is rolling out the two features in preview on Windows 11 in the U.S., France, the U.K., Canada, Italy, and Germany.

Microsoft really wants you to buy its AI-generated themes for Outlook

Key Takeaways Microsoft launches AI-generated themes exclusively for Copilot Pro subscribers. Themes will dynamically change based on location and weather, with customizable options. Subscribers can personalize settings to switch themes every few hours, days, weeks, or months. ✕ Remove Ads Back in early 2024, it became apparent that Microsoft's newest strategy was to get you to subscribe to Copilot Pro. It makes sense on paper; if Microsoft wants to continue making money after Windows 11's sales begin to plateau, a subscription model is the way to go. Microsoft hasn't added a ton of value to Copilot Pro, but it's hoping to change that by, uh...letting you pick out an AI-generated theme for the new Outlook. You know, the one people don't like that much. Related Microsoft Copilot: What is it, and how does it work? Is Microsoft Copilot the best AI chatbot available right now? Microsoft is now offering Outlook themes exclusively to Copilot Pro subscribers ✕ Remove Ads As announced on the Microsoft Tech Community, the Redmond giant is now releasing AI-generated themes for Copilot Pro subscribers (which is different from Copilot and Copilot+, remember). These themes will be available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and the web, and Microsoft states that they'll dynamically change depending on where you are: If you've enabled location permissions in Outlook, the My Location theme will bring you imagery uniquely inspired by your locale, dynamically updating for you as you head out the door on a trip or vacation. Similarly, a dynamic theme based on the weather would be updated to reflect the current weather conditions where you are. ✕ Remove Ads Microsoft claims that every theme will be unique to you and that you can set it up to change every few hours, days, weeks, or months. You can set it up to use a "realistic, oil painting, or cartoon style" but you'll need to turn them on in the Appearance Settings first. If this news somehow encouraged you to subscribe, be sure to check out what Copilot Pro is so you can get a better idea of what you get for your $20 a month.