Is Outlook for Windows RT getting closer to launch?

[JMH]

A few weeks ago, we reported that NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said he was praying to the "Outlook God" to release a version of the Outlook email client for Microsoft's Windows RT OS. Huang said if that event were to happen, "My life would be complete." Microsoft has never announced any official plans to bring Outlook to the ARM-based OS.

Now there's word that Microsoft might be letting people outside the company test a version of Outlook for Windows RT. Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite claims he saw the client running on two separate Surface RT tablet while visiting the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington this week. Thurrott says the tablets were not owned by people who actually work for Microsoft.

Is Outlook for Windows RT getting closer to launch? - Neowin

 

[AceInfinity]

I have discussed this with other members at Sysnative somewhat, and there would be reasons why Microsoft may not do this. However, especially if this was an app store version, otherwise would an update add it to the list of the first few already existing (non-useful) desktop apps in the minimal suite they already gave? If so, I think it would be a waste of time and effort.

Look at it from this perspective: How much time do you really spend on the desktop in something like the Surface RT, to actually justify having it there? The toast notifications would be no different than the Mail app that already exists, only, when clicked, or touched, it would open the desktop app, which would be very hard to use, because the Surface RT doesn't provide you (officially) with the pen support like the Pro version does.

edit: And by what I have read it seems like a Desktop application... :shame2: However, if Microsoft already made it though I don't see why they should not give it out. And if they did, why can't they just allow 3rd party developers to create desktop apps for Windows RT as well? To me it doesn't make sense at this point in time. I have a funny suspicion that this is because they want developers to be developing for the Windows Store instead though.

For the amount of space that they give you on RT, I honestly think that it should be optional anyways. I would never use it on my Surface RT. Why? When I already have the Mail app?

 

[cluberti]

Because you use it as a primary-use business machine? And Mail can't create rules, doesn't toast, doesn't have tasks, etc. I personally find the mail app OK myself, but there's a definitive need for a "better" mail app for those of us using it as a primary work device at times. Mail works fine for me because I have my Exchange mailbox configured the way I want already (folders, rules, autoresponder, etc). If I didn't, and I only had the mail app, I'd be rightly unhappy with it's limitations.

 

[AceInfinity]

Because you use it as a primary-use business machine? And Mail can't create rules, doesn't toast, doesn't have tasks, etc. I personally find the mail app OK myself, but there's a definitive need for a "better" mail app for those of us using it as a primary work device at times. Mail works fine for me because I have my Exchange mailbox configured the way I want already (folders, rules, autoresponder, etc). If I didn't, and I only had the mail app, I'd be rightly unhappy with it's limitations.

I know about the rules, not being able to create folders, etc... But the Mail app does show Toast notifications. :confused2: They don't show for you?

edit: proof:

Just that alone makes it good enough for me though. I use my Surface everyday, and receiving an email gives a faster notification on my Surface than my desktop. I don't need the rules portion or ability to create folders because like you, I already have all of that set up. I don't really need tasks either though. I like my calendar app and a few other productivity apps I have installed for various reasons.

 

[cluberti]

I only get toasts for the primary account, so if I have multiple accounts I don't get toast notifications for them reliably (even if they're configured to do so). Since my personal account is fine on mail, and a work account on Outlook would be separate, it would fix that (along with the other things that are lacking, including autoresponders and OOF notifications).

 

[AceInfinity]

I only get toasts for the primary account, so if I have multiple accounts I don't get toast notifications for them reliably (even if they're configured to do so). Since my personal account is fine on mail, and a work account on Outlook would be separate, it would fix that (along with the other things that are lacking, including autoresponders and OOF notifications).

That still seems strange to me. Is this for a Surface RT you have or something else? On my Surface RT my Mail app holds 2 email accounts that I manage. And I get toast notifications for both. Not just my primary...

edit: I tested just now too:

edit: Maybe I am mis-reading you... And "reliably" is keyword here. But I seem to get them 100% of the time. So it could be related to your network connectivity?

 

[cluberti]

Yeah, could be - I don't have 2 accounts on any other Win8 or RT device I own, so I haven't tested if it's with Win8 or just the Surface RT. In any case, it doesn't matter, either we'll get outlook or we won't. If we do, I'll be able to manage more of my mail with Outlook's controls, but if not OWA will work in a pinch.

 

[AceInfinity]

Yeah, could be - I don't have 2 accounts on any other Win8 or RT device I own, so I haven't tested if it's with Win8 or just the Surface RT. In any case, it doesn't matter, either we'll get outlook or we won't. If we do, I'll be able to manage more of my mail with Outlook's controls, but if not OWA will work in a pinch.

More controls is nice, but speaking for only myself, I would just think it would be difficult to use if it was a desktop app. Although, I suppose there's nothing to complain about, as if those features are absolutely needed, then you have them with the outlook program! :beerchug2:

 

[cluberti]

Not sure how Outlook would be difficult to use on the desktop, given mice and keyboards work well (and I have a touch cover for the Surface), but even if it releases you can still use the mail app .

 

[AceInfinity]

Not sure how Outlook would be difficult to use on the desktop, given mice and keyboards work well (and I have a touch cover for the Surface), but even if it releases you can still use the mail app .

I probably will be using the Mail app too lol. I think it's great, I don't ask for much. :)

I do find it difficult though if I don't use a mouse to plugin to the USB port on my Surface to use... Although that makes the Surface battery drain faster when you do that too as 5v+DC is being supplied to the device as by USB standard.