MS launches "Outlook on the web" to some users

When Microsoft released a public preview of Exchange Server 2016 in July, company officials revealed a bit of information about the Outlook Web experience that will be available in the next Exchange release.

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On August 4, Microsoft released more detailed information about the product that was once known as "Outlook Web App" (OWA) (now called "Outlook on the web"). Both customers who access Outlook on the web with their on-premises Exchange Server and business users who use Office 365 plans, including Exchange Online, will receive Outlook on the web updates.

What will be included in the new update? The user interface that Microsoft says is "cleaner" than before includes a new action bar available in Mail, Calendar, People, and Task, a more prominent subject, and an indented reading. Contains pane messages.

The ability to pin messages, "Sweep," "Archive," "Undo," and an optional one-line view are all included in Outlook on the web. Users will have more email customization options, as well as new items added to Calendar, such as weather, visual cues, and email reminders.

Office 365 plan users, including Exchange Online, who are enrolled in the "First Release" program will be able to receive the new Outlook on the web update starting August 4. Updates will be available to other Office 365 customers in the first week of September. The new Outlook on the web update will be available to all Office 365 business customers (including commercial, educational, and government agencies) with plans that include Exchange Online.

After getting the update, users will still be able to access their email, calendars and contacts via the web. Unlike some Office 365 features, Microsoft's blog post says it can't delay the rollout of the upcoming Outlook on the web update.

Microsoft encourages Windows Phone, iOS, and Android users to access their email using the standalone Outlook app, if possible. Outlook on the web, on the other hand, is an option for all browser users who can sign on to outlook.office365.com.

Provided by: Microsoft

This article was edited by Asahi Interactive for Japan from an article from overseas CBS Interactive.