Why is the "play my emails" feature in outlook being retired in June 2024? I use it for 2 hours everyday, and it makes me much more efficient.

We are going to need the entire community to upvote this - https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/88f17065-1e21-ef11-8ee8-6045bdafcd41

I am writing to express my deep disappointment upon learning about the decision to retire the "Play My Emails" feature in Outlook. This feature has become an essential part of my daily routine over the past 1.5 years, and its discontinuation will have a significant impact on my productivity and work-life balance.

For me, "Play My Emails" has been a critical tool in managing my email communications efficiently. My role often requires me to be on the move, whether it’s traveling for work or juggling multiple responsibilities at the office and home. Before discovering this feature, I found it incredibly challenging to keep up with my email correspondence. Reading emails while on the go was both unsafe and impractical.

When "Play My Emails" was introduced, it revolutionized how I managed my inbox. It allowed me to listen to my emails during my commute, freeing up time to focus on strategic tasks once I arrived at the office. I could catch up on emails while walking the dog, cooking dinner, or during my evening workout. This feature enabled me to stay updated without being tied to my screen, significantly improving my efficiency and reducing my stress levels.

The convenience of having emails read aloud meant I never missed important messages or deadlines, even on the busiest days. It also helped me maintain a better work-life balance by integrating email management into my daily activities seamlessly. As a result, I became more responsive and proactive in my communications, which positively impacted my professional performance.

Hearing that this feature is being retired is disheartening. The proposed alternatives in Windows 11 are not a viable solution, they won’t offer the same level of convenience as listening to emails on my iPhone device.

I urge you to reconsider this decision. The "Play My Emails" feature is more than just a convenience; it is a vital tool that enhances productivity and work-life integration for many users like myself. Its continuation would be greatly appreciated and beneficial.

I have upvoted to this link with comment!

Agreed, the “Play My Emails” feature was incredibly useful in staying productive when away from my desk. Surely, Microsoft can turn it back on until a replacement is available. If not, I will be moving over to iOS mail as at least Siri can read email and allow you to reply. Bad move Microsoft!

I echo all these sentiments. Play my email has been an absolute life saver. I am trying to reduce my screen time and it enables me to walk and do my emails. I just opened outlook and it’s no longer there. This is an absolute disaster. Being on screen all the time is incredibly unhealthy and play my email is a really effective way to manage that. Please please please bring it back