Microsoft announce The new Outlook for Windows beta, which will make your desktop email client look a lot like the web version. While the screenshots and the entire structure of the application Recently LeakedMicrosoft’s announcement gives us a good look at the kind of features we can expect to see hitting our inboxes.
According to a Microsoft post on Tuesday, Outlook will get quite a few new features as well as an updated design. For starters, it will integrate with Loop, Microsoft’s system for Collaborate on things like polls, to-do lists, and more All over the office. There is also a new system for attaching files. If you have something stored in the cloud, you can type the “@” symbol and then the file name, and you’ll get a list of matching files ready to be added to an email.
Microsoft has also added some Calendar and Tasks features. Some are simple, like being able to pin emails to the top of your inbox so they stay in your face until you deal with them. You’ll be able to drag emails into the board and designate them as to-do items or calendar events if you want to reserve time to respond – and after you’ve done that, take a look at the new calendar view that shows task lists, notes, and many other customizable information alongside the actual calendar.
I don’t want to make it sound like email is reinventing Microsoft here. The app is still Outlook for sure, even if it looks like it’s just going to be a file Very cool webview. But a few of these features remind me of what got me so excited about now defunct Mailbox app that Bought Dropbox way back in today. I’m also glad to see a revamp of the calendar interface; I’ve always hated that in the current desktop version of Outlook.
Microsoft’s post mentions a myriad of other features as well. For example, when responding to a calendar invitation, you can decide whether to attend in person or virtual; Inbox scanning feature will be included in the app; And Outlook will pin messages it thinks are important if you’ve missed it. You can see the full list of features, along with screenshots and descriptions, on the Microsoft . page.
As always with applications based on web technology, I have little to worry about this future update, especially its performance. I also assume long-time Outlook users will have to put up with one adjustment period, especially if it’s the main application they spend their days on. But, at the same time, I really like the idea of having the same functionality in the Outlook web and in the desktop app, rather than having us use two completely different user interfaces. In addition, the features that Microsoft showcases mesh very well with how email is viewed. So, color Lee cautiously optimistic.
If you feel the same, you may be able to try it out for yourself — although you’ll need a Microsoft business or education account. If you check this box, you can Sign up to become an Office Insider and join the Beta Channel. Once you do that and update to the latest version of Outlook, there should be a toggle that lets you switch to the new version. Of course, keep in mind that it is a file beta; Make sure you are comfortable running your email with a program that is still running.
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