In a project that Microsoft has named 'One Outlook,' the company is aiming to remodel its many different versions of 'Outlook,' its first-party e-mail service. Outlook currently has a different design and layout across its many devices, including mobile phones, computers, and web browsers. On top of this, some of these devices do not sync very well to Microsoft's calendar application.
This update is expected to roll out to consumers around October 2022 for Windows users first. The new Outlook layout will be easier to use, have more functionality, and will be optional for users to adopt for its first few months as a beta test. If the new Outlook layout proves to be more convenient and easier to use, Microsoft will likely sunset its convoluted old Outlook application soon after.
Consolidated E-Mail Applications
Microsoft is Unifying Its Outlook and Calendar Services
Trend Themes
1. Unified E-mail Applications - One Outlook by Microsoft is paving a disruptive innovation opportunity for a unified email app.
2. Synchronized Calendar Apps - One Outlook's integration with Microsoft's calendar application can disrupt standalone calendar apps.
3. Beta Test Focused Upgrades - Microsoft's test-driven approach to One Outlook creates room for innovation and beta testing.
Industry Implications
1. Communication and Collaboration - One Outlook's integration can influence email and productivity tools, like Slack and Teams, leading to new innovation under new models.
2. Mobile Computing - One Outlook's mobile-focused upgrades can disrupt mobile email and productivity apps, such as Gmail and Evernote.
3. Software and Application Management - One Outlook's improved user experience has the potential to influence software and apps management and development under a unified paradigm.