In January, Microsoft said that 99.9% of Outlook.com users had been upgraded to its new user experience, nearly two years after it announced a major upgrade to its webmail service.
Microsoft is today launching a brand new, opt-in beta for its web-based Outlook website that introduces a new, faster user experience and several new features worthy of note.
Faster experience. The team in implementing a more responsive web framework that will deliver upgraded search abilities, a modern conversation style and new design that allows you to see, read, and attach files faster.
The beta is opt-in, and is rolling out in waves starting today. This will make it easier to find contacts, files, and previous conversations.
Better personalization: You can personalize your inbox with your favorite people and folders, as well as give your communications a personal touch with an easier way to access tons of expressions, including popular emojis and GIFs. The team will roll out a new toggle switch for you to join up with the beta program and if you aren’t happy with it, you can easily toggle it off and go back to the old version. Again, this is a staged rollout so if you don’t see it right away, Microsoft says you’ll see it in the next few weeks. There’s also a refined photo interface that puts all your sent and received images in one place, and a “modern” conversation style that helps you handle attachments. The inbox will show “Quick Suggestions” as users type, making it easier to add information on restaurants, flights, team schedules, etc. Microsoft has been working for years on “Bingifying” its Office apps by building search directly into them. More details are available on the Outlook.com beta support article. Non-Premium Outlook users who are interested in joining the program and testing out new features will soon be able to toggle a “try the beta” switch to receive several enhanced experiences now in beta testing. Microsoft is not sure how long the beta will last, so be sure to keep giving your feedback once you’ve opted in!