Microsoft built Outlook back in those times when email was something relatively new. At that time, Microsoft’s Outlook was a famous email service and had a lot of users However, when Google launched Gmail, it became an instant hit because of its utility factor as well as an elegant design. Microsoft’s products are purposeful and resourceful, no doubt, keeping in mind Microsoft Office Products including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Microsoft has now even launched its Edge Browser too, but the competitors like Google are very strong.
Google and Apple’s Dominance
One reason why Microsoft’s Outlook suffered because of Apple and Google’s dominance in the digital markets. Smartphones nowadays come with default apps by Google or Apple, including their email services, and other productivity tools like Google’s Sheets, Slides, Docs, etc. which are essentially inspired by Microsoft’s Office products. But functionality-wise, they are better and provide more functional uses and options to the users.
The same is for Apple’s products. People find them easier to use and more adaptable with a wider range of functionality.
The need for improving Outlook
The competition is severe. And Outlook is very far behind in its usage as well as functionality. Secondly, although Outlook’s web version and its mobile app both often come as a part of default settings, an email service named with the same name, and then an additional Outlook email and calendar app for Windows 10. There are too many products by Outlook that are all in wide disarray. Therefore, Microsoft needs to take notice of this issue.
Unifying Outlook
A recent report by Windows Central suggests that Microsoft is now looking out for a way to create One Outlook, switching from dedicated Mac and Web apps into one web-based app.
This means that instead of seeing the word Outlook everywhere on our devices, as if it is forced on us and yet we choose to ignore it, Microsoft is going to unify it all in a single app across all devices that will provide multiple functions and added utility advantages.
The report also suggests that this One Outlook app is going to be accessible for all free and commercial business consumers by 2022. Microsoft needs to make the new app’s feel as close to the native app’s feel while providing a universal front across all platforms through basing the app on the Outlook website.
As much as it sounds interesting, the truth of the matter is that unifying Outlook is like a double-edged sword. It is important to unify it, but it is also extremely risky. If anything goes wrong, Microsoft will lose those customers also who are still loyal to its native Outlook app!
I’m Ava Paul, an experienced news website author with a special focus on the entertainment section. Over the past five years, I have worked in various positions of media and communication at World Stock Market. My experience has given me extensive knowledge in writing, editing, researching and reporting on stories related to the entertainment industry.
