Microsoft
will add its popular Outlook email program to more tablets running on a
lightweight version of its Windows operating system as part of a free
software update this year.
The
Outlook 2013 app will be given to owners of Microsoft's Surface tablet
and similar devices running Windows RT. That's a slimmed down version of
Windows 8, a radical overhaul of the ubiquitous operating system used
on most personal computers.
Microsoft Corp. is
preparing to modify Windows 8 in response to consumer complaints about
the redesigned system released last October. The Redmond, Wash., company
announced the addition of Outlook for Windows RT tablets Wednesday at a
computer trade show in Taiwan.
A specific
release date still hasn't been set for the upcoming update, called
Windows 8.1. A preview version of Windows 8.1 will be available June 26
when Microsoft starts an annual programmers' conference in San
Francisco.
Windows 8 includes touch-screen
controls and displays applications in a mosaic of interactive tiles as
part of an attempt to expand the system on to tablets. The operating
system also remains compatible with keyboards, computer mice and
programs created for traditional PCs.
The dual
format has confused and frustrated some long-time users, contributing
to lukewarm sales for devices running on Windows 8 and Windows RT.
Windows
RT's omission of Outlook was among the grievances. Outlook's absence
was magnified by Microsoft's inclusion of other popular programs, such
as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, on the Surface tablet and other Windows
RT devices. Unlike Windows 8 tablets, RT devices can run only programs
specifically designed for it, so it hasn't been possible to buy Outlook
separately.
Existing Window RT users will get Outlook for free as part of this year's Windows upgrade.
The
Outlook announcement came as Microsoft showcased previously announced
features of Windows 8.1 at the Computex show in Taiwan. Tami Reller,
chief financial and marketing officer of the company's Windows Division,
said the 8.1 update took into account input from consumers on the
Windows 8 system.
"Windows 8.1 furthers the
bold vision of Windows 8 by responding to customer feedback and adding
new features and functionality that advance the touch experience and
mobile computing's potential," Reller said.
Antoine
Leblond, corporate vice president of Windows Program Management,
demonstrated the upgraded system, which included enhancements in areas
including platform personalization and search. Although Microsoft isn't
restoring the traditional start button on the lower left side of the
screen, it is restoring a logo in that spot and will let users add
favorite applications, such as Word and Excel, to a horizontal tool bar
while working in Window's traditional desktop mode.
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