Microsoft Outlook is changing, for better and worse
A mixed bag for Microsoft Outlook users
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Microsofthas begun to roll out the new performance-focused version of its Outlookemail clientto personal account holders, the company has confirmed.
Previously available to commercial customers only, the new “One Outlook” desktop app (codenamed Project Monarch) offers a clean, minimalist aesthetic in line with theWindows 11design philosophy, and also houses related apps like Calendar and Contacts.
Crucially, the app brings with it the ability to manage Gmail, Yahoo and other inbox feeds insideOutlook, a boon for anyone that runs multipleemailaccounts across different service providers.
Ads come to Outlook
Although many Outlook users, especially those running less powerful hardware, will welcome the sleek new application and additional functionality, celebrations may be tempered somewhat by separate developments.
As reported byThe Verge, Microsoft is beginning to place more advertisements in the Outlook inbox feed across iOS and Android applications.
Previously, users could escape Outlook ads on mobile (which are disguised to look like regular emails to encourage clickthrough) by opting for the single inbox experience, as opposed to a tabbed alternative whereby the most important mail is separated from other messages.
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However, over the last few months, Microsoft has begun to place ads into the single inbox feed too, meaning users will have no choice but to subscribe toMicrosoft 365if they want to sidestep advertising.
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Since the change began to roll out, users have taken to platforms like Twitter and Reddit to voice their frustrations, as well as hitting theAppleApp Store listing with one-star reviews.
Overall, Outlook users will feel conflicted about the direction of the service. On one hand, Microsoft is working to create a more consistent inbox experience across all platforms, but equally, it appears the company is no longer willing to offer a free ride to anyone unwilling to fork out for a full subscription.
ViaThe Verge,Windows Latest
Joel Khalili is the News and Features Editor at TechRadar Pro, covering cybersecurity, data privacy, cloud, AI, blockchain, internet infrastructure, 5G, data storage and computing. He’s responsible for curating our news content, as well as commissioning and producing features on the technologies that are transforming the way the world does business.
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