Microsoft has begun to roll out the new performance-focused version of its Outlook

Microsoft has begun to roll out the new performance-focused version of its Outlook

Microsoft has confirmed that it has begun to send out the new performance-focused version of its Outlook email software to personal account holders. Previously available solely to commercial users, the new “One Outlook” desktop software (codenamed Project Monarch) delivers a clean, minimalist visual consistent with the Windows 11 design philosophy, as well as related programs such as Calendar and Contacts. Importantly, the program has the option to handle Gmail, Yahoo, and other inbox feeds from Outlook. This is a plus for anyone who has multiple email accounts with different service providers.

Although many Outlook users, particularly those on less capable hardware, will enjoy the slick new version and added capabilities, their joy may be dampened by separate developments. According to The Verge, Microsoft is starting to include more advertisements in the Outlook inbox feed across iOS and Android apps. Previously, users could avoid Outlook advertising on mobile (which are disguised as genuine emails to promote clickthrough) by selecting the single inbox experience over the tabbed option, which separates the most important messages from other messages.

However, in recent months, Microsoft has begun to insert adverts into the single inbox feed as well, which means that customers will have no choice but to subscribe to Microsoft 365 if they wish to avoid advertising. Users have taken to Twitter and Reddit to complain about the change, and some have also given the app a one-star rating on the Apple App Store.

Overall, Outlook users will be conflicted about the service’s direction. On the one hand, it looks like Microsoft is trying to make the inbox experience more consistent across all devices. On the other hand, it looks like the company is no longer willing to give people who don’t want to pay for a full subscription a free ride.