Microsoft, the world's largest software developing company, continues to update its widely popular software, Outlook. The latest release of Outlook is available for Mac users, bringing a slew of new features, upgraded performance and security.
Microsoft explained the new features in the company's blog last week, which includes improved archive searching, push support for real-time delivery of emails, improved scrolling and agility and a completely overhauled UI. The software giant also said the updated email client for Mac users brings better Exchange Web Services syncing and Master Category List.
"Today we are announcing the new Outlook for the Mac, which delivers improved performance and reliability and a fresh look and feel that is unmistakably Microsoft Office," Microsoft said in the official blog post. "This release offers a more familiar and consistent experience between Outlook on the PC, Outlook on the web and Outlook Web App (OWA) for iPad, iPhone and Android devices."
According to Computer World, this is the first time that Microsoft has released a standalone Outlook product instead of a complete Office package. The updated Outlook is only available for Office 365 subscribers of Home, Personal and University. The existing Office for Mac 2011 subscribers, who paid full price for the suite to use it forever, will have to shell out extra cash to get the new Outlook.
Microsoft made another major announcement last Friday that it would launch a public beta version of the next Office for Mac. The upgraded package will feature Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for Mac users. The upgrade will be available at no cost to Office 365 commercial and consumer subscribers, provided they continue to pay the annual or monthly fees.
The Office 365 subscription for college students costs $80 for four years and ranges between $70 and $100 per year for consumers. Business users pay between $99 and $264 for one year.
