When you're on your smartphone, it's often burdensome to send an email, especially when you only need to send a short reply.
Enter Send, a new app by Microsoft that allows users to send quick messages via email, almost as if it were a chat instead.
"While tools like text messaging and IM are great for short messages, you often don't have your co-worker's cell phone number or an IM app on your work phone," writes Microsoft on its website. "And we've heard loud and clear from people at work, they want all their communications available in Outlook—even if they send them from other apps."
So, how does Send work? Send connects to your Outlook email inbox and it turns into a simple chat interface, allowing you to send and receive quick messages using your Outlook contacts. However, if, for some reason, you do need to send a lengthy email after several Send messages, each of Send's messages gets saved in Outlook so that you can also use that program for longer emails. Even better, Send comes with precreated messages that you can use when the need arises, such as "on my way" and "I'll get back to you."
Send keeps messages simple and gets rid of the signatures and subject lines associated with email. The app also connects with all of your Office 365 contacts and puts those people you contact the most at the top of your list.
"Send doesn't show all your emails, just the ones started in the app, keeping you in control," writes Microsoft. "All Send messages comply with your organization's email compliance policies—they are treated like any other work email."
Perhaps most interesting is that Send was first developed for iOS, with Android and Windows versions coming later. The app is part of Microsoft's initiative program, Microsoft Garage, which allows employees to come up with concepts and release them as real-world applications. The app is now limited to those with Office 365 business and school email accounts, but Microsoft hopes to broaden the market for users soon.
Users in the U.S. and Canada with iOS can download Send from the iTunes store. Send users can submit feedback about the app under its Help section, but Microsoft is planning a YamJam on July 28 from 9 to 10 a.m. to answer user questions about the app.
