In a notable development for Windows 11 users, a new web wrapper, tentatively named either Microsoft 365 Companion or People, appears to be on the horizon. This application, which is based on Microsoft Edge, has recently made waves following the leak of its setup.exe file on social media platform X. Early indications suggest that this could signal the return of the People app, previously a staple feature in Windows 10, now reimagined as a web-based tool integrated with Outlook.com.
Reviving the People Experience
The original People app was a flagship feature of Windows 10, designed to streamline contact management by consolidating various accounts—Microsoft, work, Outlook, Skype, LinkedIn, and social media—into a single interface. This functionality was particularly useful, allowing users to access their contacts without the need to navigate through multiple applications and websites.
In Windows 10, the People app was seamlessly integrated into the taskbar, enabling users to keep track of their most frequently contacted individuals. This integration worked in tandem with the Mail and Calendar applications, creating a cohesive experience for managing communications. However, with the transition to Windows 11, Microsoft discontinued support for the People app, redirecting users to manage their contacts solely through the Mail and Calendar apps. Unfortunately, the newer Outlook application that replaced these tools has not provided the same level of contact management capabilities.
Recent observations by tech enthusiast WalkingCat on X reveal that Microsoft is now working on a new iteration of the People app for Windows 11. This revamped version may initially cater exclusively to Microsoft 365 customers with work or school accounts, surfacing contacts stored within Outlook.
Features and Functionality
In preliminary tests conducted by Windows Latest, the leaked setup.exe file launched with a fresh Microsoft 365 icon, hinting at its potential branding as Microsoft 365 Companion. Upon execution, the setup prompted the opening of a new People (preview) app via the taskbar, complete with a sign-in option.
Once logged in, users will have direct access to their contacts through the People app, facilitating quick communication and event scheduling. For instance, setting up a meeting becomes a straightforward task by selecting a contact, which then syncs seamlessly with the user’s calendar. The app also supports calls via Microsoft Teams or Skype and allows users to view shared files with their contacts.
While the new People app serves as a wrapper around the Outlook.com-based People functionality, it currently lacks a comprehensive feature set. There is, however, a toggle option for a “Whole life” experience, which may enable support for personal accounts or allow users to import contacts from those accounts. Notably, the app is lightweight, coming in at under 2MB, though it is still in the early stages of development and may not function optimally at this time.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the new People app, there remains a pressing need for Microsoft to enhance the new Outlook. The current version does not match the feature richness of the classic Outlook and falls short when compared to native applications like Outlook Win32 or Mail and Calendar UWP. As Microsoft continues to roll out updates, it remains to be seen how they will encourage users to embrace the new Outlook experience.
