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Microsoft Building New Free Mail Client

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

March 10, 2006, 2:35 PM

Internet Explorer isn't the only application to enjoy a resurgence in Windows Vista -- Microsoft is readying a new desktop e-mail client that will be integrated into Windows Live and eventually replace Outlook Express. Dubbed Windows Live Mail Desktop, the product is currently in beta testing.

As IE development stagnated following the release of Windows XP, Outlook Express -- Microsoft's free e-mail client -- suffered a similar fate. But the OE team returned to update the product for Vista under the name Windows Mail, and is now expanding that work with a completely separate application.

Windows Mail in Vista brings to the table evolutionary improvements to Outlook Express 6, including an integrated spam and phishing filter, community features for Microsoft newsgroups and built-in spell checking. The client has also been linked up with Vista's contact database and search functionality.

However, much has changed in the Internet landscape since OE6 debuted in 2001. RSS and blogging have begun to spread, and users are spending more time utilizing Web based services now that broadband has reached ubiquity. Microsoft unveiled Windows Live last year to help usher in this new era.

Windows Live Mail Desktop will fill the role of connecting the operating system with a number of Live services. The client directly connects with Windows Live Mail without configuration, and integrates Live Messenger contacts directly into the interface.

A "Photo Mail" feature takes pictures from a digital camera and resizes them for e-mails, while uploading a larger version to MSN. For those not using Live Mail, the desktop client supports any POP or IMAP e-mail account, with support for multiple inboxes.

Aside from e-mail, RSS also plays a major role in Windows Live Mail Desktop. The software can serve as a complete RSS reader, enabling users to organize subscriptions using folders, instantly see unread items, and view items in a built-in preview pane.

Users can also click on an RSS item and immediately blog about it using the new "Blog It!" feature.

"Blogging and RSS looks like they're here to stay and phishing is more dangerous than ever. Now is the time to add life back into my favorite free email client and we're injecting a large dose of adrenaline to kick things back up," says Live Mail Desktop developer Lei Gong.

Other improvements being added to the client according to Gong include a redesigned user interface, emoticon and inline spell checking, and automatic syncing with Hotmail contacts.

Microsoft has not yet said how it plans to position Windows Live Mail Desktop or when the new client will be completed. Windows Mail in Vista will not be replaced before the new operating ships later this year, indicating that Live Mail Desktop will be offered as a free download for users seeking out added functionality.

A beta version of the software will be made available through ideas.live.com in the coming weeks, according to the Live Mail Desktop team.

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By Hunt9506

edited Jun 24, 2006 - 2:10 PM

Is there a way to import windows XP Express emails into the Vista Beta2 MWM7 version?
any help would be appreciated

Score: 0

By txpcsbent1

edited May 6, 2006 - 11:40 AM

Beta does not always connect. I can see the individual emails but the beta live is white. Often have to try and try to get the inbox to connect. Any suggestions

Score: 0

By eximtrade

edited May 3, 2006 - 8:44 AM

I am using Window Live Mail ( Hotmail Beta Service ) since last two months. Absoulutley no problem but THREE DAYS BEFORE I tried to access my hotmail with my outlook express.
Now I can open my msn messanger but I can not open my hotmail beta account i.e. window live mail account.

CAN U HELP ME

SOS

SOS

SOS

RAJEEV
EXIMTRADE@HOTMAIL.COM

Score: 0

By BernieW

edited May 2, 2006 - 1:36 AM

I am, pleased that Microsoft allow people like my self you access this site.

Score: 0

By ISOHaven

posted Apr 4, 2006 - 3:42 PM

Nate Mook,
You are incorrect when you state WLMD will replace Outlook Express. The only way to use WLMD is to have a Windows Live account. So unless that changes OR 100% of all Windows XP users gain a Windows Live account then WLMD WILL NOT REPLACE OE.

WLMD is nothing more then a TOOL for Windows Live users. It is NOT a general use email client.

Another incorrect comment:
"the OE team returned to update"

The OE team is no more and has been completely broken up and separated onto bigger and better things. The team that created Windows Mail is not a direct casting of the old OE team. The same goes for WLMD.

Something major that was left out for those of you OE veterans:

NO MORE DBX FILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Score: 0

By crashoverride

posted Mar 13, 2006 - 2:20 PM

A bit late as I've practically rid myself of the need for desktop email clients.

Score: 0

By Reap_r

posted Mar 13, 2006 - 9:53 AM

Ho hum...not really exciting either way. Half the folks I deal with could not tell me what email program they use without opening it and reading the title bar anyway. For those that know enough about the machine to be able to answer that question, it is probably a moot point anyway as they know enough to use Thunderbird, or TheBat, or something besides Outlook express. I recommend Outlook for those that use exchange server (as the open source alternatives for an exchange client are not quite there yet) but always recommend an after-market spam solution (I hate Spam by Sunbelt software is good).

As for the Live mail desktop, I am not warm and fuzzy about it but that is just because I am paranoid of the black helicopters coming to pick me up for thinking negative thoughts about the government.

Score: 0

By DigitalSin

posted Mar 13, 2006 - 9:46 AM

I'll keep Kontact for now =)

Windows Mail feels very bulky, but it has potential.

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Mar 13, 2006 - 1:18 AM

Live needs serious help if it's going anywhere. Right now, in any incantation, it's immature and just not ready for business or personal use compared to the hundreds of other services that do essentially the same thing.

Score: 0

By imafurby

posted Mar 12, 2006 - 11:55 PM

I hope it works better than IE Express, like importing saved ieXpress folders from a previous install. 9 times out of 10 the stupid program won't recognize or inport its own saved folders.

And I don't need anyone telling me I don't know how to use it, it doesn't know how to use itself.

Score: 0

By Agent31

posted Mar 12, 2006 - 3:06 PM

Bring it on!

Score: 0

By AlexBR1974

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 3:06 PM

MS haters...p*iss off! And keep using Linux, Eudora, Opera, OpenOffice etc. Keep your mouth shut and don´t come here parading your c*rap!!!!

Score: 0

By crashoverride

posted Mar 14, 2006 - 2:22 AM

There are people like you on either side of the Microsoft vs Linux thing. All of you make me sick. They are software programs for goodness sakes. I think there are much more important things to be arguing about....don't you?

Score: 0

By sophist_dreams

posted Mar 12, 2006 - 3:43 PM

Another brilliant troll from the Microspud lunatic fringe. BTW I use T-bird which has had spell check since it's inception, can you say that about Outlook (if you dont have Office installed) or Outlook Express? No? Perhaps you should be the one to close his pie hole.

Score: 0

By wincement

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 7:06 PM

Someone hit a nerve?

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 10:35 PM

Sounds like someone did more than hit a nerve. I'd guess brain injury.

Probably fatal.

Oh well.

Score: 0

By spiffyjeff

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 7:00 PM

Or in my case, Thunderbird ;)

Score: 0

By Jon T

edited Mar 11, 2006 - 6:56 AM

Hrm where did we see this about a 2 weeks ago? :P

you failed to mention the adverts displayed in live Mail Desktop...

Score: 0

By fewt

edited Mar 10, 2006 - 9:21 PM

.. Pocket IE doesn't work with BN (comment moved)

Score: 0

By 2anyone

edited Feb 9, 2007 - 12:10 PM

the mail client is worked fine, and also did well on multi-account.
http://2anyone.space.live.com

Score: 0

By mikocolinone

posted Feb 9, 2007 - 12:12 PM

the mail client is worked fine, and also did well on multi-account.
http://2anyone.space.live.com

Score: 0

By spiked

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 6:12 PM

Tons of people are getting confused here.

A program called "Windows Mail" will be included in Windows Vista.

"Windows Live Mail Desktop" will be a free BUT SEPARATE download. When installed on Vista, it will replace "Windows Mail" just like MSN Messenger replaces Windows Messenger today.

Score: 0

By ISOHaven

posted Apr 4, 2006 - 3:33 PM

That is complelty false! If that where true then no one else on that machine would have an email client that didn't have a Windows Live account.

I have seen WLMD installed on Vista and it does NOT replace it.

Score: 0

By Joe Dirt

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 5:36 PM

Windows Live Mail Desktop?

I really wish they would quit putting such long names on applications.

For crying out loud call it "Microsoft Mail" or "Outlook lite" or "Windows Mail".

Same with office applications.

The old name: Microsoft Word.
The new name: Microsoft Office Word 2003.

Why? Long names stink.

Score: 0

By mikocolinone

posted Feb 9, 2007 - 12:14 PM

yes, it works fine, and also did well in multi-account.
http://2anyone.spaces.live.com

actrully, whatever the name is, I just want they work out more shorter on code! so if the name take long and code take short, that's fine. :)

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 12:39 PM

Actually, I like the office products including Office in the name, since a lot of people seem to confuse Office and Windows all the time. Other than that I agree. -- I think Windows Mail would suffice.

Score: 0

By ker7099

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 12:21 AM

i agree.

Score: 0

By citizen420

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 5:03 PM

will i be able to remove this from vista along with wmp and ie, like i did with my xp???

Score: 0

By daytonlowell

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 5:58 PM

"Windows Mail in Vista will not be replaced before the new operating ships later this year". Read the whole article please.

Score: 0

By ker7099

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 12:24 AM

read his question again please. He asked if he could remove the email client, not if it was going to be replaced. pay more attention. and in responce to the question asked i assume that like outlook in xp that you should be able to get rid of it.

Score: 0

By Scipio

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 4:05 PM

Anybody used this?

I have Outlook, but I have always preferred to use Outlook Express, which I use to sweep several email accounts using POP3 and IMAP. This includes a Hotmail account, but that isn't my primary account.

Will the new email client be able to sweep other mail accounts? That's my main concern. Anybody tried it?

Score: 0

By Mike162005

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 4:44 PM

It hasn't been released to the public yet. I hope it's soon though. =)

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Mar 10, 2006 - 4:12 PM

Well, Windows Mail in Vista is definately in improvement over OE, and it's still in Beta.

I just really wish I could find that option to "Thread" the emails. (Like a forum, or Google's Conversation style) I know it's gotta be in there somewhere....it just makes too much damn sense to leave out.

(Removed MS fanboy flamebait)

Score: 0

By rijp

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 4:12 PM

threading, you mean like journal in Outlook?

You want threading, use a real email client...

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 10:34 PM

Well, I'm just saying, I wouldn't mind if Windows mail became *gasp* a real email client.

Hey, I'm too lazy to look right now, how do you enable journaling in Outlook 2k3?

Score: 0

By wincement

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 3:52 PM

Sounds like a pretty good plan.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

edited Mar 10, 2006 - 3:51 PM

OH NO!!! I can't believe MS hasn't learned the lesson! Lawsuits will start spreading like cancer cells!

Should they be sued? IMO hel! no, not while Dell, HP/Compaq, Sony, Toshiba, and Acer continue to bundle Sun Microsystems, AOL, RealOne, Mcafee, Norton, and InterVideo continue to bundle software on Windows-based PC's. MS knows it will be sued by at least two of those companies, though, and MS will initially lose, as it always has. Sure, they will eventually win, but that's the point, wound MS into nearly bleeding to death, then courts will finally overturn in Microsoft's favor--but only after they nearly bled to death.

OK I'm biased. I'm sure Fewt will come flame me as he always does. I know you disagree with me Fewt, but from where I sit, it sure looks this way...

Score: 0

By fewt

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 2:24 PM

"Fewt will come flame me as he always does"

Whatever, I only reply to your comments when you are wrong which well is quite frequent.

There is nothing wrong with Microsoft updating their email client. I wouldn't consider this a problem unless it gets bolted to the OS with no uninstaller.

Score: 0

By husky87

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 7:36 PM

are you blind? it says it will be a free download. why would it spark a lawsuit when its not being bundled?

Score: 0

By rijp

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 4:11 PM

Why would this spark a lawsuit? Its an upgrade from OE. There isn't anything thats changed.

Anti-trust relationships won't stop MS, because they know, like I do, its just a witch hunt. People are jealous, and they will do ANYTHING to slow MS down, even it means being untruthful.

Score: 0

By daytonlowell

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 6:02 PM

People arn't jealous, they just don't think its fair that microsoft gets to have there software on your computer without even giving you a choice of other software that has the same or better functionality.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 1:01 PM

Anyone who claims they have no choice isn't really looking for a choice, but instead they're looking for a complaint.

Score: 0

By fewt

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 2:25 PM

Honestly, go to Best Buy, CompUSA, or anywhere the average consumer shops and find some choices.

There are only two.

Microsoft, and Apple.

There's only choice if you are a geek.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 6:06 PM

You don't have to use media player, IE, etc. Try Linux. Download FreeBSD. Go for OS/2 just for kicks if you want.

Score: 0

By zridling

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 3:00 PM

"Sounds" wonderful and I'll definitely try it, but it won't tear me away from Gmail.

Score: 0

By rijp

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 4:09 PM

Gmail isn't a client, its a web email. this is a client that sits on Vista, so its portable email, rather than web accessible. You can still use Gmail, you can simply make a copy of your gmail via pop3, and download to your machine.

Score: 0

By GeorgeSantayana

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 5:42 PM

Gmail is a client. That it lacks local storage does nothing to negate this.

Score: 0

By wincement

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 3:13 AM

Ummm... Gmail isn't a client. The mail and interface are both hosted on the server. Ergo... no client.

Score: 0

By GeorgeSantayana

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 7:03 PM

Part of the interface and functionality is processed locally with Javascript. However, this isn't a requirement to be regarded a "client."

In computing, a client is a system that accesses a (remote) service on another computer by some kind of network. The term was first applied to devices that were not capable of running their own stand-alone programs, but could interact with remote computers via a network. These dumb terminals were clients of the time-sharing mainframe computer.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Client_(computing)

Score: 0

By wincement

edited Mar 11, 2006 - 7:14 PM

lol

If you want to argue that Gmail is a client, then you would have to believe that every single web-accessible service is a "client."

You are confused.

Gmail is not the client. Your browser is.

Thanks for the history lesson, though.

Score: 0

By GeorgeSantayana

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 7:40 PM

Both Microsoft and Google refer to their AJAX interfaces, codename "Kahuna" and Gmail, respectively, as clients. Golly, these new-fangled web-apps are so cutting-edge.

I'll opt for the "confusion" of computer engineers to the semi-literate ramblings of Betanews goofballs.

Score: 0

By wincement

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 10:14 PM

Ok. Let me try to explain:

Using Gmail as an example:
There's a server and a PC (the user).

On the server, we have the the mail and the Gmail interface. Both are stored on and accessed from the server.

On the PC, all we have is the browser, which upon user request, dynamically loads the GMail interface to display the information. The interface itself is not stored on the computer, it disappears as soon as that browser is closed. I'm sorry. That is not a client.

Of course Microsoft and Google want to call it a client. They're trying to make it sound like they did something revolutionary, which arguably, they did.

Be that as it may, the client is still the browser.

I don't mean to ramble in a semi-literate fashion. I don't see any spelling errors, but I guess that's because I'm semi-literate. I'll take the goofball comment as a compliment, though. I always try to be up-beat. =p

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 3:57 PM

I guess you like a company that sends you ads depending what is written in your e-mail. I don't like it when a company reads my e-mail, that is why I don't use gmail any more.

Score: 0

By fewt

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 9:21 PM

Read:

WAAH WAAH WAAH

BIG BROTHER

WAAH WAAH WAAH

Score: 0

By daytonlowell

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 6:05 PM

Man, google must have ALOT of employees to read all the email that come over on gmail. I didn't know they did that.....thanks, i guess i will start using monopolysofts hotmail.

Score: 0

By gmoremass

edited Mar 10, 2006 - 4:50 PM

You are right: there's a employee at Google who reads the messages you get from your secret Russian bride and insert relevant ads next to it. Be afraid!

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 5:26 PM

Even though that was a stupid response. Google does read and store your e-mail (even if you delete it). Look at there desktop search they keep your data on their server for 2 months

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Mar 11, 2006 - 10:29 PM

"Google does read and store your e-mail"

You, sir, are an idiot.

They do not read your email. Please refer to their privacy policy for more information reagrding that.

As far as storing your email after it is deleted, you are correct, but only insofar as your harddrive stores deleted material after you remove it from the recycle bin. It's still there, just marked by the file-system to be overwritten.

Think of it this way:

Data is stored on your drive in a series of 1s and 0s. Every sector contains either a 1 or a 0, even if nothing is "written" to it. Now, when you delete a file, the file system can simply mark the sectors in question as "able to be written over with a new pattern of 1s and 0s", or it can go and rewrite every bit to either a 1 or a 0.

Now, which would you rather have your computer do? Take 2 seconds to delete a 1GB file, or 5 minutes?

Seriously, if Google or your hard drive did that, we'd still be in the dark-ages of personal computing.

Score: 0

By ker7099

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 12:30 AM

no matter what email service you use, your email is going to be read. for instance did you know that if your email service offers spam blocking, such as peoplepc, they are "reading" your email to see if it contains key words that usually indicate spam?

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Mar 11, 2006 - 5:06 PM

I thought I would be able to get away from spam and junk mail. Then google goes ahead and puts ads and junk right into my e-mail from people I know. Thank about feed you spam.

Score: 0

By osric

posted Mar 12, 2006 - 2:05 AM

You want to get rid of ads then use a paid email service. Any free email service has ads otherwise they are not fools to offer you a free service. Google places text ads that are less obstructive than graphical ads and also require less time to load.

Score: 0

By school1012

posted Mar 18, 2006 - 10:14 AM

I don't get text ads I get Flash ads(that take even longer to load)

Score: 0

By fewt

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 9:21 PM

Actually it was pretty funny LOL

Score: 0

By frankwick

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 2:58 PM

OE has a spellchecker. why is that news?

Score: 0

By arkansasben

edited Mar 10, 2006 - 3:06 PM

Because the spell check dictionary was borrowed from Microsoft Office. It wasn't built into Outlook Express, although the ability to spell check was.

In this new version, it appears it will have its own dictionary built-in.

Score: 0

By maniakmx3

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 3:05 PM

It's news because OE has never had a spell checker. The only way you could've had a spell checker in OE is if you had somthing such as Microsoft Word installed on the computer, which only supplied the spell checker rather than OE having it's Own integrated Spell checker

Score: 0

By luna

posted Mar 10, 2006 - 3:04 PM

OE's spell checker only works if you have a word processor (MS Word) installed on the computer. OE does not contain a database of words for the spell check.

Score: 0

By The Finger

edited Apr 23, 2006 - 6:19 AM

Then what's this about? ...

http://www.geocities.com/vampirefo/

Score: 0

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