Why Microsoft Thinks the New Outlook is Better Than Mail & Calendar: A Real Take
Microsoft is closing the chapter on the old Mail & Calendar app, and it’s not giving users much of a choice. By December 31, 2024, the app will officially lose support, meaning you’ll have to switch to the new Outlook—whether you’re ready or not. But why does Microsoft think the new Outlook is better? Let’s break it down.
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A Push for Change
Microsoft has been clear about its growing frustration with the old app. According to official documents, the company believes the new Outlook is a step forward, but not everyone agrees. The tech giant says the new Outlook is powered by AI, making tasks like drafting emails easier. Imagine being able to write emails with just a few prompts! While it sounds futuristic, most of us who send emails daily might shrug at this feature.
Other features include better reminders for important conversations and a central hub to access all your emails. Microsoft also touts advanced security features, which are helpful but feel more like an advertisement for Microsoft 365 than anything groundbreaking.
The Pain Points of Change
For many, the transition hasn’t been smooth. Microsoft didn’t give users much say in the matter, rolling out the new app with subtle nudges, pop-ups, and even forced migrations. The lack of choice has left a sour taste in people’s mouths.
And while the new Outlook brings some fresh features and a cleaner user interface, there’s a catch—it’s essentially a web wrapper. This means it runs more like a website than a standalone app, which can slow things down and make the experience feel heavier.
Ads Everywhere
One of the biggest complaints? Ads. Unlike the ad-free Mail & Calendar app, the new Outlook will feature ads—just like Microsoft’s weather app. For many, this feels like a money grab, especially when users are already paying for operating system licenses or subscriptions.
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Features Still Missing
To add to the frustration, some of the features users loved in Mail & Calendar are still missing from the new Outlook. Microsoft has promised to add these “over time,” but that hasn’t eased the irritation for those who relied on those tools daily.
What Happens After December 31, 2024?
If you’re still clinging to the old Mail & Calendar app, here’s the bad news: Starting January 1, 2024, it’ll only work as a read-only tool. You won’t be able to send or receive new emails. To keep your data and stay connected, you’ll need to migrate to the new Outlook before support ends.
The Emotional Side of the Shift
For longtime users, the transition isn’t just about losing an app; it’s about losing familiarity and control. Change can feel frustrating, especially when it’s forced. While some might embrace the new AI features and modern design, others see it as another way Microsoft is prioritizing profits over user experience.
In the end, the new Outlook might grow on us, but for now, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to an app that, while simple, did its job without the distractions of ads and forced updates.
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