Microsoft reinvents Hotmail as Outlook

[cpvr]

Well, I don't use Hotmail, but this is some news for those that still use Hotmail instead of "Gmail".

News:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Microsoft has decided to radically overhaul the most successful email service in the world. Goodbye Hotmail.com; say hello to Outlook.com.
Over the next few months, a growing number of Hotmail users will be invited to test out a new Web-based email service called "Outlook," named after Microsoft's other popular email brand. Eventually, everyone will be transitioned to Outlook, but Microsoft gave no firm deadline for that to happen.
Hotmail users will be able to keep their @hotmail.com or @live.com addresses, but new users will only be able to choose between @outlook.com or @live.com email domains.
"We thought it was time to push the boundaries of email," said Chris Jones, head of Microsoft's Windows Live division, which includes Hotmail. "We created a new mail service for a modern user experience."
Hotmail, launched in 1996, has just over 325 million users around the globe. That makes it the Web's largest email service, but its lead is shrinking. Google's Gmail now has 298.2 million users. Yahoo Mail is right behind, with 298 million users, according to tracking firm comScore.

Users can also IM with Facebook friends right from the mail client. Skype's video chat service, which Microsoft purchased a year ago for $8.5 billion, will soon be integrated as well.
Outlook also brings some smart new features to regular old email.
The service automatically detects and labels newsletters and promotional offers from stores. For emails that Outlook recognizes as an ad, it will add a universal unsubscribe button to the message. Click it, and Microsoft will not only unsubscribe via the retailer, but will automatically filter any future promotions into the trash if that unsubscribe gets ignored.
Another innovative feature kicks in when you're sent an update about a package you've ordered. A button on the top of the message takes you right to the shipment tracking website.
It's clear that Microsoft is going after Gmail users, some of whom are dissatisfied with recent changes to the service's user interface. The new Outlook makes porting over Gmail contacts very easy, and it understands Gmail keyboard shortcuts. You can even keep sending and receiving email from a Gmail address. That option lets Outlook invisibly take over behind the scenes.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/31/tech....htm?hpt=hp_t3

What does everyone think about this? Do you support this new change?

[Corleone]

I just tried it and I really, really like it. I am a big fan of neat, polished yet minimalistic interfaces. Much faster and organized.

[Eve]

I wish they would just pick one mail format and stick with it.

Like seriously, at work there was Outlook, I also had Hotmail, on Vista they had Windows Mail (or some such thing), on Windows 7 they have Windows Live Mail, and it is integrated with Hotmail. And then there is LiveDotcom

Why do they need all that stuff, just pick one so it isn't so confusing! lol All they really need is one internet mailing service and one PC mail and make them work together, and quit changing it every new OS and having a zillion domains.

[Micky]

I wouldn't know, or care, because I sync my hotmail account to my Gmail, so every email stays in one place for me to check.

[TheTeen]

I just tried it out. I really don't like it. It is almost too simple for me and not as crisp as Gmail. Also there are quite a number of ads on the right hand site for me, which I feel are poorly integrated. Gmails ads are barely noticeable, outlooks, are sticking out and ugly.

[cpvr]

I wouldn't know, or care, because I sync my hotmail account to my Gmail, so every email stays in one place for me to check.

I do the same thing. It's a lot easier for me to manage my emails as well. @Corleone You're not the only one apparently the new hotmail has been downloaded over 1 million times.