The new Outlook, which has been referred to as One Outlook for quite some time, is finally available in preview for all users who are interested in using it to replace the current Windows email, calendar and contact management applications. The truth is Microsoft took its timeWe started hearing about this new app more than two years ago. But mind you, I’m not criticizing it, on the contrary, I think it’s perfect that they took all the necessary time to get it to users in the best possible conditions.

Actually aThe new Outlook has been available for several months for users who would like to try it out, and all that was needed was to use a control enabled for this purpose in Windows Mail, which closed and opened a new application after a few seconds. In my case, and although I generally prefer web interfaces, I have been using the new Outlook for several months and I think Microsoft has done a good job. Of course, we have to make a distinction, because the access that was allowed a few months ago was to beta versions, while the one available from this week is in the preview phase, i.e. a more polished and reliable version.

So, currently both alternatives exist side by side, i.e. Mail, Calendar and the Contacts application, with a preview of the new Outlook, but as you already know, since we assumed it about a month ago, Microsoft’s plans do not count on the medium and long-term coexistence of one and the other, rather on the contrary, its intention is for the new Outlook to replace the Windows applications that provided these functions until now.

And when will that happen? Well, sooner than we thought, because according to what we can read in Bleeping Computer, Microsoft will start the migration to the new Outlook already next month, i.e. in August. The migration process, which will end without changes or surprises at the end of 2024. So those from Redmond are subsidizing a little less than a year and a half so that the change does not have to take place, but they are not thinking about extending the transition for too long.

“Mail and Calendar for Windows are replaced by the new Outlook for Windows […] At the end of 2024, we will end support for Mail and Calendar for Windows. The new Outlook for Windows helps people be more productive and take control of their inbox. We’re excited about this change, which will provide users with great new productivity features like Microsoft Loop, message reminders, as well as file and people suggestions while writing an email. The new Outlook also offers more ways to stay in control with drag-and-drop email, such as tasks, work hours and location, pinning and snoozing messages, and more.“.