Microsoft has overhauled its Hotmail service and replaced it with Outlook.com.
Microsoft touts modern email for the next billion mailboxes
The preview of Outlook.com is live for users to try out with a new cleaner interface and no adverts. Things seem to be going well so far as the Outlook Twitter account said one million users had signed up just hours after launch.
Microsoft described Outlook.com as a: "modern email designed for the next billion mailboxes."
"We realized that we needed to take a bold step, break from the past and build you a brand new service from the ground up." it added.
It includes integration with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter and, as you would expect, SkyDrive with Skype to be added soon. The integration means you'll see photos of your friends, recent status updates, plus the ability to chat or video call.
Users can try Outlook.com now by clicking 'Upgrade' in the options menu of Hotmail and optionally add an @outlook.com email address. Passwords, contacts, old emails and rules previously created all remain the same.
Take a look at Microsoft's video of Outlook.com and let us know what you think of the new email service.
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Comments
MarkG said: How much storage space is available for free or paid accounts It will be interesting to know what Microsofts charges will be for those that currently have annual Hotmail subscriptions with larger storage space
Happy&Sad said: Upgraded and kept my name and now cant connect to email on my tabletunable to find pop or imap settingsand google just directs my queries re outlookcom to activesync and exchange server - aaarghh
Murray Snudge said: Ive just made the mistake of signing up to a new outlookcom email address with the same name as my hotmail account so nobody else would take it instead of upgrading my hotmail accountI did this in case outlookcom doesnt work properly just like googlemail had a few teething problems going to gmailThis means I cannot upgrade my hotmail account to outlook because the name is already taken by me so my 25GB Skydrive will now only be 7GBI should have said I can upgrade my hotmail to outlook but would have to choose a new name although the upgrade retains the 25GB Skydrive
Condom said: The upgrade section was partly covered up when I tried to use it but fianally managed it It took seconds to change to Outlookcom and it certainly looks cleaner without all the adverts I did try to open an Outlook address but it kept failing and asked me to try again later Not a very auspicious beginning