Microsoft has released an updated version of Outlook for Android that brings a much improved ability to download email attachments on certain devices. The updated version, build 2.0.57 for those keeping score at home, is available now in the Google Play Store and will be rolling out as an OTA update to those with the app installed over the course of the next few days. In this new build, users will now have the ability to download an attachment to their device directly from the email view. You can also do this download from the File page in the app.
This change means that you don’t have to switch views within Outlook to download an attachment to an email, saving you swipes and taps as you use the app on your phone or tablet. But, as these
Outlook for Android
things go sometimes, not everyone will have this ability. In order to be able to download the attachments, you have to have the Download app on your device. Not every Android device out there does (Nexus devices do as do most Samsung devices). If you don’t have that app and underlying features that allow for files to be downloaded directly to your phone, this feature will not work for you.
You can see if your device has this simply by going to your App Tray and looking for the app Downloads.
Microsoft has indicated that they are working on a solution for devices that do not have Downloads but have not given any estimate on when that will be available or how it will work. My guess is that it will tie into OneDrive in some why – but that’s only a guess on my part.
If you want to try out Microsoft Outlook on your Android devices, you can download it for free in the Google Play Store
