Microsoft is making a concerted effort to encourage users to embrace the new Outlook app, which has been the default email and calendar solution for Windows 11 since its launch late last year. Despite this push, the transition has not been as seamless as the tech giant had hoped. A recent blog post from Microsoft highlights the advantages of the new Outlook, yet it also reveals some of the challenges that users are facing.
The new Outlook, while integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, comes with its own set of hurdles. For instance, users encounter advertisements unless they opt for a paid subscription, and several beloved features from the previous Mail & Calendar app are conspicuously absent. Notably, the ability to open attachments offline was only introduced last month, leaving many users frustrated.
In fact, a significant number of individuals still prefer the classic Mail & Calendar app, expressing a desire for its return. While alternatives like Wino Mail have emerged, attempting to replicate the functionality of the original app, they fall short of delivering the same experience that users have come to appreciate.
What is a native Windows app?
The definition of a “native” Windows app has evolved over time. Traditionally, it referred to a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) application specifically designed for Windows. Today, however, the term encompasses a broader range of app types. Microsoft advocates for the use of WinUI and the Windows SDK for app development, but developers also have access to various other frameworks, such as React Native for Desktop and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).
Interestingly, while Microsoft lists Win32, Windows Forms, and UWP as “Other native platform options,” Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are notably absent from this classification. The new Outlook is categorized as a PWA, which raises questions about its status as a truly native application. This distinction may not align with Microsoft’s perspective, as they assert that the new Outlook is “deeply integrated with Windows,” aiming to provide a rich, native-like experience.
For a default OS emailing experience, the design and UX are abysmal. Why is this app so darn ugly compared to many of the other built-in utility apps on Windows 11 like Paint, Notepad, Microsoft Store, and Settings? Outlook stands out like a sore thumb and doesn’t even look like a Windows app.
Zac Bowden
Despite Microsoft’s claims of a native-like experience, the new Outlook has faced criticism regarding its performance, design, and feature set. Senior Editor Zac Bowden has previously expressed skepticism, stating that the app is not yet ready for widespread use. While improvements have been made since its initial release, many still feel that it falls short of expectations.
The urgency with which Microsoft is promoting the new Outlook raises eyebrows. The company has gone so far as to disable the Mail & Calendar app on Windows 10, compelling users to transition. A blog post aimed at persuading users to switch suggests that the company is aware of the challenges it faces in winning over its audience. Ideally, a superior app should naturally attract users without the need for heavy-handed marketing tactics.
