- By Vikas Yadav
- Sun, 23 Jul 2023 09:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
JE Technology Desk: Microsoft has started informing users about the retirement of Windows Mail and Calendar apps in 2024 from the Windows in-built apps list and that they should look forward to the new Outlook for Windows as an alternative. This can be seen as an attempt by the company to push AI into its products and streamline its catalogue.
Developed by Microsoft for Windows 10, Windows Mail and Calendar come pre-installed in Windows, which offers the functionality to add email accounts, access them, and schedule appointments and tasks. The company added that from 2024, it will pre-embed Outlook in Windows 11.
"Beginning in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox application free for all to use. The Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available via download in the Microsoft Store through the end of 2024," Microsoft said in a blog post.
Users can switch to the Outlook app via toggle from the traditional Mail and Calendar apps. Besides these two, users can try the new People app in Outlook for Windows (Preview) by turning on the 'Try the New Outlook' toggle from the top right of the classic Outlook app. Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Once this is done, you can experience the new and fresh look of Outlook. However, a user must note because of its under-testing character, the new Outlook will not be available to all users.
The free Outlook for Windows will not require any subscription and will help users write "better emails" using AI. It can also remind users of follow-up conversations. Besides this, the app supports third-party accounts such as Gmail and Yahoo to access emails. Plus, Microsoft's security guardrails ensure a user is safe from scams and phishing attacks. The app will also unify the view of email and calendar events at one destination.