As of today, Microsoft has officially rolled out its new Outlook for Windows app to the general public, signaling its readiness for widespread use. The app, now simply branded as Outlook, has shed its “new” label, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Transitioning from Old to New
However, this launch does not mean the new Outlook is entirely replacing its predecessor just yet. Users can still opt into the new experience within the classic Outlook app, which remains available for the time being. The transition is poised to evolve, with the new Outlook set to become the default email and calendar solution on Windows PCs running version 24H2 of Windows 11. In this update, the older Mail & Calendar apps will no longer be pre-installed, paving the way for the new Outlook to take center stage.
This change will extend to older versions of Windows as well, including Windows 10. Over the coming weeks, users will see the automatic replacement of the Mail & Calendar apps with the new Outlook, with the older versions being phased out by January 1.
Performance and User Experience
Despite the excitement surrounding its general availability, some lingering concerns from earlier reviews remain unaddressed. Users have noted that the new Outlook’s performance lags behind that of the Mail & Calendar apps, which open almost instantaneously. In contrast, the new Outlook takes noticeably longer to launch and load emails, leading to frustrations over its responsiveness.
Notifications also appear to be delayed, often arriving after alerts from other email clients, including the mobile version of Outlook. This raises questions about the app’s efficiency, especially considering its higher memory usage compared to the older applications it aims to replace.
Design and Usability Challenges
The design and user experience of the new Outlook have drawn criticism as well. Many users find the interface less appealing compared to other built-in Windows applications, such as Paint or Notepad. The new Outlook feels more like a web application than a native Windows app, which detracts from the overall user experience.
For those who rely on touch functionality, the new Outlook falls short. It lacks essential features like swipe gestures for email management and pinch-to-zoom capabilities, which are standard in competing applications such as Apple Mail. This oversight is particularly concerning given the popularity of touch-enabled devices like the Surface Pro.
Future Improvements
Looking ahead, there are several areas where Microsoft could enhance the Outlook experience. Transitioning from a web-based framework to a native Windows UI, such as WinUI 3, could significantly improve performance and aesthetics. Additionally, incorporating basic touch functionalities would make the app more user-friendly for tablet users.
Lastly, addressing speed and resource efficiency is crucial. If the new Outlook cannot match the lightweight and responsive nature of the previous Mail & Calendar apps, users may find themselves longing for the simplicity of the older versions. As Microsoft continues to refine Outlook, the focus should be on creating a seamless, efficient, and visually appealing email client that aligns with the expectations of modern users.
