Microsoft's Outlook email client has received numerous major updates over the years. However, it has never managed to be truly unified, whether as a standalone app or integrated in Office365/Microsoft 365. That is set to change with Microsoft's “One Outlook” project, which has now leaked online.
When we talk about a unified email experience through Outlook, it will gather the various versions of the services from across platforms into a single app. For example, it will replace the Win32 and UWP apps on Windows 10, Outlook Web Access, and the macOS version. It will also be hosted as Outlook for Web on browsers.
With this single version of One Outlook, Microsoft's Mail and Calendar apps will look and functions the same across desktop platform.
Currently under development as Project Monarch, the One Outlook experience has leaked online. In this leak, Microsoft describes the app as a “new version of Outlook designed for large-screen experiences.”
Building One App
Monarch takes its cues from the existing Outlook for Web. It brings many of that services dynamics to app form as a desktop client. It seems Microsoft is already at the stage of testing the app internally. Employees can use the app but are warned of its nascent nature.
In fact, Microsoft says the app is for “brave dogfooders” and lacks an offline mode. If you're unfamiliar with the term dogfood, it basically means someone who embraces software very early in development.
While the app is available online, it cannot be accessed by anyone with a Microsoft Account. In fact, an internal Microsoft Account is needed to tap into the app.
As noted, this is an early version and is unlikely to arrive until 2022. Indeed, Microsoft will first roll out the One Outlook experience in preview to testers through the Insider Program. This public testing phase will take some time and a Windows 10 22H1 roll out is the most likely for this app.
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