Microsoft this morning announced a bunch of changes coming to its popular Hotmail service , including a facelift, faster loading times, and larger storage.
A screenshot of the new Hotmail looks like a combination of Microsoft Outlook and Google's Gmail with a simple, streamlined interface and separated columns. Microsoft "combined the classic and full versions" of Hotmail to create this design but really, it just looks like Outlook. To personalize the service, Hotmail will now be customizable with various themes and colors "so your personality can really shine through."
It appears Microsoft nabbed a bunch of other features from Gmail, such as IM access directly from the inbox, automatic address completion in the "To" line of outgoing messages, and easier calendar sharing options.
In terms of speed, Microsoft claims Hotmail will be 70 percent faster than before when you're signing in and opening and viewing e-mail messages. It also touts stronger virus and spam-detection technology.
Microsoft's take on storage is interesting, too. Instead of flat-out declaring storage limits, it says:
"Hotmail storage will automatically grow with you. That means the more storage you need, the more storage you'll get. There are limits, but they're so large that chances are you won't even come close to them. If, for some reason, you're coming close to exceeding those limits, we'll send you an e-mail to let you know."
The implication is that the space is so massive you'll never be concerned about approaching your limit, which is imprecise but oddly more comforting than knowing how much I can actually use.
Look for these updates to roll out in the next few weeks.
