Microsoft's free Web-based email service now has a revamped look and feel. Outlook.com's update brings in a load of new features, including the abilities to add GIFs, edit an Office document and reply to a related email side-by-side concurrently and more.
The overhauled version of Outlook.com was in preview mode since May 2015. As of Wednesday, the company has begun pushing out the Office 365-powered version to all of its users across the globe.
Most of the new features are centered on making the entire email experience better. Here is a list of the best features Microsoft packed into the new version of Outlook.com.
1. Install Add-Ins
The new Outlook.com integrates some popular apps, which range from Giphy, Wunderlist, Boomerang, Yelp, Uber, Evernote and PayPal.
Yes, Outlook.com users need not be jealous anymore of Gmail users anymore as they can already add a GIF from Giphy into their emails, for instance, when sending someone a birthday greeting. You can also manage your to-do list using Wunderlist, search and share restaurant information or reviews by means of Yelp.
2. Clean Up Clutter
This feature makes it possible to get rid of ignored emails by moving them into a separate folder, and in doing so keep the inbox clean. Microsoft touts this functionality will eventually know which emails to filter out. Users may even train this feature by manually pulling messages in and out of the Clutter folder.
Users are given the option, though, to turn Clutter off if they prefer a classic inbox.
3. Attach Files From Dropbox, Box And OneDrive
Users of the refreshed email service are now able to attach files from Box, Dropbox and OneDrive. They also have the option to send the files as links instead of attachments.
4. Edit Side By Side
With this feature onboard, users can now view or edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents and photos while creating a response to the original email.
5. Add Flight Confirmations To Calendar
Users are now able to include flight confirmations into their calendars to make sure they're on top of their travel schedule.
6. Smarter Address Book
Outlook.com's address book is as smart as a whip. It now understands who the users talk to most often.
7. Search Suggestions
When you are looking for content, this feature immediately highlights which contacts you email on a regular basis.
8. Refiners
This functionality is beneficial when users are also searching for emails. It allows them to filter search results based on folder, sender, attachments and date.
9. Skype Integration
With the updated Outlook.com, users can now open Skype right next to an email.
10. @Mentions
This nifty addition allows users to add people into their conversations. This Facebook-like feature will flag the email as important for a particular user.
Everyone who is presently using Outlook.com should get the upgrades in the succeeding weeks. Microsoft says it is focusing on pushing the new experience out to "millions of users each week."
Those who wish to learn more about the newly updated Outlook.com may head on over to its official blog post.
You may also want to check out this video.
