Outlook.com updates website for 'bolder and smarter' email experience

Long-standing email hosting website Outlook.com has had a makeover, bringing what it calls a 'bolder, smarter' look to the website and mimicking Windows 10's native mail client.

With the new upgrades comes a new inbox look, a better calendar, the ability to add in-line images, pins and flags, pop-out reading and composition, and more integrated add-in functions from the likes of Uber, PayPal and Evernote.

The company's blog states that the new inbox reduces clutter, and will learn over time what messages users class as 'clutter'. This feature can be turned on or off depending on preferences. Better search suggestions and refiners will tailor search results based on sender, folder, attachments and data received.

Outlook has also included link preview, which allows senders to paste links and give recipients a preview of where the link leads.

The new add-ins, incorporating built-in apps such as Bing Maps, My Templates and Suggested Meetings add-ins, the company will be incorporating PayPal, Uber and Boomerang applications. The company expects to bring more partners on board in the near future.

The Outlook calendar has also incorporated collapsable panels and 'improved navigation', the company states.

Microsoft says the new Outlook will also enhance collaboration tools, including better Skype integration, OneDrive sharing and the ability to see attachments side-by-side with the original email. File changes are saved and reattached to sent responses, eliminating the need to download, edit, save and reattach files.

Outlook has also launched a new user feedback system called Outlook UserVoice, designed to engage users in conversation with each other, as well as Outlook.

The changes have been made across its web and mobile browser interfaces for those who do not use the Outlook app.