Shared Device Mode for Outlook Mobile on Android

Microsoft has introduced Shared Device Mode for Outlook Mobile on Android, a feature of Azure Active Directory that allows customization of the Microsoft 365 experience for frontline workers. Frontline workers have unique challenges such as high turnover rates and infrequent use of technology tools, which require solutions tailored to their specific needs. Shared Device Mode enables users to preview Outlook on shared Android devices before the full rollout begins. Implementation of a shared device strategy means that employees will be able to select a device from a pool and use company applications for the duration of their shift. At the end of the shift, the employee can sign out, and all personal and company information will be removed so that the device can be returned to the pool. The feature will be available in preview mode by mid-January 2023 and is set to be rolled out globally by mid-July 2023.

This feature presents an alternate experience to that of a single user's device, which most applications optimize for and maintain single sign-on information. Most applications don't consider it a security-related event when a user removes their account from the application, with many of them keeping the credentials for quick sign-in. To enable sharing of devices across employees, developers need to enable the opposite experience by using Azure Active Directory to set up shared device mode features.

This feature is part of the Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 107506, and it will allow employees to use company applications from a shared device such as iPads or Android tablets. It is expected that organizations will adopt different strategies to empower their frontline workers, some opting for Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policies, while others will prefer shared devices instead.

The post Shared Device Mode for Outlook Mobile on Android appeared first on M365 Admin.