Hotmail Becomes Outlook

If you’ve been using Microsoft’s online services, formerly known as Windows Live, you’ve likely noticed some changes lately. In an effort to unify its ecosystem, Microsoft is embracing the Metro design familiar from Windows Phone 7 and the Windows 8. This shift is more than just a fresh coat of paint: it represents Microsoft’s strategy to create a cohesive, touch-friendly user experience across all its platforms.

Over the past few weeks, the login.live.com page has been updated to reflect this Metro aesthetic. Gone is the old “Windows Live” identity, replaced instead by the simpler term “Microsoft Account.” Along with design tweaks, some services are also receiving new names. Let’s dive into what’s changed and why it matters.

A New Microsoft Account and Login Experience

If you access Hotmail, SkyDrive, or other Microsoft services daily, you’ve probably seen the fresh login page. Minimalist, streamlined, and inspired by Metro tiles, it sets the tone for the entire online ecosystem. Microsoft wants to ensure that whether you’re using a keyboard and mouse on a desktop or your fingers on a touch-based device, the experience remains intuitive and visually consistent.

• Single Sign-On Simplicity: The shift from “Windows Live ID” to “Microsoft Account” highlights a broader push toward unifying your identity across Windows 8, Windows Phone, and cloud-based services like SkyDrive.
• Top-Right Menu: In line with Metro’s clean layout, key functions — like settings (the gear icon) and your profile picture — are conveniently located in the top-right corner. This consistent placement makes it easier to navigate between services without confusion.

Hotmail Evolves into Outlook.com

Perhaps the biggest headline is that Hotmail — once the world’s most recognized webmail service — is transforming into Outlook.com. If you’re curious to try it out, just sign in at outlook.com with your existing Microsoft Account. Your inbox will then automatically switch to the new Outlook interface, featuring:

1. Cleaner Look and Feel: Embracing Metro’s minimalist design, Outlook.com is sleeker and more organized than Hotmail ever was.
2. No More Banner Ads: One of the most notable improvements is the removal of the banner ad on the right side. According to Microsoft, it’s gone for good — resulting in a more distraction-free and user-focused experience.
3. Name Flexibility: You can continue using your existing @hotmail, @live, or @msn email address, or create a brand-new @outlook.com address. Alternatively, you can set up an alias. Caution though: if your Xbox Live or Windows Phone account depends on your current address, changing your primary account email might cause complications.

Not Everything Is Brand-New

While Outlook.com brings plenty of changes, many Hotmail features remain intact — just in a new interface. The Contacts section is now called People, also revamped for clarity and convenience. If you use Windows Phone, you’ll recognize the concept of linking duplicate contacts from different sources (like Facebook or other email accounts) into a single entry. Outlook.com automatically identifies and merges these, though you can still manually edit or correct them if needed.

Metro Influence Everywhere:

• Contacts are separated by alphabetical tiles, making it easy to jump directly to a specific letter.
• Large, clean design elements help you find what you need faster on both desktop and touchscreens.

SkyDrive with Metro Style

SkyDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, isn’t being left behind. An update is on the horizon that introduces:

• Metro-Inspired Interface: Expect the same minimalist, tile-based design that characterizes Outlook.com and other services.
• Enhanced File Management: Batch processing for multiple items in thumbnail view is set to make it easier to organize or move large numbers of files at once.
• Office Web Apps Integration: For a seamless online collaboration experience, you can try out the new, Metro-styled Office Web Apps if you haven’t already.

Why All These Changes Matter

1. Unified Cloud Ecosystem: By consolidating products under the same design language and brand identity, Microsoft is aiming to provide an interconnected cloud experience — across email, storage, and productivity tools.
2. Touch-Centric Focus: Windows 8 underscores Microsoft’s commitment to touch-friendly interfaces, ensuring these online services look and feel consistent on both traditional PCs and tablets.
3. Competitive Edge: In a world where Google’s Gmail and Apple’s iCloud are vying for user loyalty, Microsoft’s fresh approach to Outlook.com and SkyDrive signals a renewed push to be a formidable player in the online services space.

My Perspective as a Business Administration Alumnus

From a strategic standpoint, the rebranding of Hotmail to Outlook.com and the introduction of the Metro design across services is a clear demonstration of how vital brand consistency can be in retaining user engagement. As a proud alumnus of the Christian-Albrechts-Universität (CAU) Kiel, I’ve always viewed such moves through the lens of user-centric marketing and brand value. Microsoft’s pivot here is less about discarding old services and more about aligning them under a cohesive, modern umbrella that resonates with consumers in 2012’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Embrace the New Look

Change can be disorienting, especially for longtime Hotmail users or anyone used to “Windows Live.” But the updated interface, advanced integration with Windows 8 and Windows Phone, and a user-focused, ad-free design make Outlook.com and SkyDrive worth exploring. If you haven’t switched yet, give it a try. You can always revert to the old interface if you’re not sold, but you might be pleasantly surprised by what Microsoft has cooked up.

Have you tried Outlook.com or the new look for Microsoft’s online services? Feel free to share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below!

Source: LiveSide.net und Microsoft
Image: Microsoft