Microsoft have announced the introduction of Outlook.com, their overhaul of its free webmail service, dropping the Hotmail brand it has used since acquiring the product in 1998.
Benefits of the revamped service include:
- The sorting of messages as they arrive tackling the issue of 'cluttered inboxes.
- New feature to allow users to make internet calls on Skype.
- Be connected to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google to bring relevant context and communications to your email.
- Large photos and videos can be attached to emails via the firm's 'Skydrive' service, avoiding attachment size limits.
"We are giving you the first email service that is connected to Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google, and soon, Skype, to bring relevant context and communications to your email."
"In the Outlook.com inbox, your personal email comes alive with photos of your friends, recent status updates and tweets that your friend has shared with you, the ability to chat and video call - all powered by an always up-to-date contact list that is connected to your social networks." Chris Jones, Microsoft.
Microsoft is offering the service in a 'preview' mode for the time being and has not announced an official release date.
While Microsoft advises users to upgrade, Hotmail subscribers can stay on the the old system if they wish until Microsoft switch over the service permanently.
Customers who do make the change keep their @hotmail, @msn or @live.com email address ending, but can also add an @outlook.com address to their account if they wish.
If you need assistance with using the new service, or are experiencing any problems with your PC or Laptop, please contact your Local PC PAL Engineer today.
