BIG Windows 11 Update: NEW email app look, features to rival Google Gmail coming

In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft is going to give a new look to its classic Outlook email app and make it more user friendly and feature rich like Google Gmail email app. Ever since the launch of Windows 11 last year, Microsoft has been working to update all its applications in the same modern design language that it provided to Windows 11. However, notably, this Windows 11 update has not been just about a new look. New features and tools are also being added to the Outlook email app. So far, Microsoft has given a new makeover to its essential tools like Paint, MS Word, Notepad and various other apps.

Windows 11’s project to transform the Outlook email app is codenamed as Project Monarch. According to a report by WindowsLatest, the project is aiming to create a cross-platform email experience for users. Billed as a universal mail client, the new email app is speculated to be an upgraded version of the mail and Calendar app. At present, both Windows 10 and 11 have an app called Mail & Calendar, which has its own drawbacks like sync issues, history and mailbox limit.

“With the new Outlook app, Microsoft wants to consolidate the Outlook apps into one unified application that can manage your mail across all supported desktop platforms,” wrote the WindowsLatest report on the new Windows 11 email app.

What’s new in Windows 11 new email app

Some of the key features that might be a part of this new Windows 11 update include an option for all users to customize the color of the events. As noted in Microsoft 365 roadmap, this option will not only create a better aesthetic experience, but also improve the visibility and create better visual separation between events.

Another report from TechRadar based on Microsoft 365 roadmap notes suggests that the new email app for Windows 11 will also come equipped with Microsoft Editor functionality. Microsoft said that this feature will “offer users spelling, grammar and refinement suggestions as they type.” This feature in particular can be very helpful in enabling users from committing unintentional errors while typing out the emails.

Another major feature of Windows 11 update to email app will see it adapt to hybrid working situations. Matching its rival Google, now Outlook will also allow users to “set a notice showing where they are working, whether that be at home, in the office, or anywhere else in particular.” For reference, Google Calendar released a similar feature in August 2021.

A public preview of this new email app for Windows 11 could be available by late March or early April.