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Zoom may offer email to bolster its growing empire
Zoom may offer an email service in 2021 to expand its surging business beyond video calls.
Hackers in Microsoft's webmail breach could read some users' messages
For some users, that Microsoft webmail breach was worse than first thought. Microsoft has confirmed a Motherboard source's claims that the hackers had access to a portion of the email content, not just email addresses and subject lines. About 6 of the affected users had their messages exposed, according to a spokesperson. It's not clear if the intruders read the email before Microsoft blocked access, but the company told the The Verge in a statement that the subset received "additional guidance and support."
Microsoft webmail breach exposed email addresses and subject lines
You'll want to keep an eye out for suspicious activity if you use Microsoft's webmail services. The company has confirmed to TechCrunch that "cybercriminals" compromised a "limited number" of its web-based email accounts between January 1st and March 28th by using a customer support rep's credentials. The breach didn't expose sign-in details or message contents, but it did offer access to email addresses (including names of addresses in conversations), subject lines and custom folder names.
Gmail's major redesign will be available to all in July
Google made it clear from the outset that it was merely matter of time before the new Gmail design reached everyone, and now we know when that's happening. The internet giant has promised "general availability" of the reworked Gmail in July, with G Suite administrators having options to stagger the transition by either letting users opt-in on their own schedule or making them wait four weeks. Don't think you can cling to the old ways forever, though.
Google Inbox finally lets you attach files from Drive
It's been almost two years since Google launched Inbox, its vision for a smarter way to keep your email under control. The company has added plenty of features since launch, but there are still a few things left that you can only do in traditional Gmail. Today, Google's cutting down that list a bit by adding the ability to directly attach any files stored in your Google Drive to new emails in Inbox. It's been years since that feature was added to Gmail, and it's pretty handy if you're deep in Google's ecosystem, so we're glad to finally see it show up in Inbox.
Gmail ditches a web view built to highlight ads
Gmail on the web is getting a little more drab... and arguably, that's a good thing. Google has confirmed to Marketing Land that it's no longer testing a grid view in Gmail's promotions tab that showed you images rather than plain old text. It was meant to help email advertisers showcase their offerings in a more alluring way, but people clearly didn't bite -- they preferred the old-school subject lines. Visit now and you should see the same text view that you'd get for the primary and social tabs that you're much more likely to use. The 'new' layout won't be nearly as colorful, but it should help you clear out spam that much faster.
Gmail lets you easily unsubscribe to the newsletters you don't read
If you've been on the internet long enough, there's a good chance that you're on a few mailing lists that you never read; it's usually easier to just delete the messages than unsubscribe. You don't have to put up with those forum summaries and sales offers any longer, though. After a quiet rollout, Google has officially launched an "Unsubscribe" button in Gmail's web interface. If there's an unsubscribe link buried in a message, the option will automatically pop up next to the sender's address -- click it and the clutter should disappear from your inbox once and for all. This likely won't help with those spam-happy types that make it intentionally difficult to unsubscribe, but it could still let you focus on the email you (hopefully) care about.
Microsoft's new encryption makes it tougher to spy on your email
Microsoft said last year that it was tightening security to fend off the NSA and others who would scoop up your data, and today it fulfilled that promise with moves that should improve real-world security. The company now encrypts both incoming and outgoing Outlook.com email when it's in transit. So long as the other end also supports this encryption (Gmail and other big names do), snoops can't easily intercept messages in mid-flight. Microsoft is also implementing Perfect Forward Secrecy in both Outlook.com and OneDrive, which gives each connection a unique security key -- even if people do crack a code, they won't have a complete picture of your email or cloud storage.
Google's new Chrome add-on secures your email every step of the way
Privacy advocates (including Edward Snowden) will tell you that one of the better ways to evade internet snooping is to encrypt data end-to-end, so that people can't casually peek at what you're doing. Well, it's now considerably easier to do just that -- if you're using Chrome, anyway. Google has released an early version of an appropriately named Chrome add-on, End-to-End, that secures your web-based email beyond what providers usually offer. Instead of setting up complicated encryption tools, you just use the extension; after that, messages you send or receive can't (easily) be read unless the recipient has the necessary key.
Skype's web-based version is now available worldwide
You no longer have to live in one of a few fortunate countries to make a Skype call while checking your Outlook.com email: As of today, Skype for Outlook.com is available worldwide. All you need now is to download a browser plugin and link your Skype account. The global release comes alongside improved software support, too. PC users can now participate in HD video chats, while Mac users get a Safari plugin. If you're heavily invested in Microsoft's internet services, everything you need to get started is at the source link.
Yahoo Mail gets some new threads for its 16th birthday
It's not a new sports car, but it'll have to do. In time for its 16th birthday, Yahoo Mail's getting a couple of nice tweaks, including the ability to thread conversations in its desktop, iOS and Android versions. Also on the list is one-click message deleting, starring and searching and some new mail themes drawn from curated Flickr images. Yahoo's also bringing a handful of Mail Plus features to free users, including enhanced filters, auto message forwarding and disposable address. Mail storage is also now at 1TB -- not quite unlimited, but still, not too shabby.
Google streamlines Gmail for featurephone web browsers
Google may focus much of its attention on smartphones, but it knows that featurephone owners deserve a good online experience as well. Accordingly, it just launched a revamped Gmail web app for devices where modern browsers and touchscreens aren't guaranteed. The new client requires fewer button presses to read and write messages; users can reply to email directly from the thread view, for example. While the need for basic webmail is disappearing as smartphones get ever cheaper, those who need (or prefer) a simple cellphone can try the new Gmail page today.
Skype for Outlook.com preview now available in the US
Americans waiting for the Skype for Outlook.com preview can stop twiddling their thumbs -- the test release is now available in the US, complementing existing access in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany and the UK. As in other countries, stateside users with merged Outlook.com and Skype accounts just have to install a plugin for Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer to make calls while checking email. Those in other regions will have to sit tight, however; Microsoft only promises worldwide access to Skype for Outlook.com sometime in the "near future."
Skype for Outlook.com preview launches in the UK, coming to the US soon
Outlook.com's 60 million-plus users will have another feature to take advantage of soon, as Skype is previewing built-in web access to its service. Currently available in the UK (headed to the US and Germany in "coming weeks," -- worldwide this summer) it lets users make calls directly from their inbox via a browser plugin available for Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox. Users with existing Skype accounts will also need to link their account to the website which will allow their contacts to be merged, with the idea of having more choices of how to reach out to close contacts. Gmail's added easy access to hangouts and even Facebook has integrated Skype-connected video into its messaging so we suppose it's necessary for feature parity, with the added bonus of Skype's large install base. There are two demo videos embedded after the break, or you can head to Skype's blog for more details.
Outlook.com hits 25 million users, gets an Android app to call its own
Microsoft launched Outlook.com as much to lure Gmail users as to cast off some of its Hotmail baggage, and there's signs the strategies might be working. About 25 million are frequently using Outlook.com four months into its fledgling existence, with a third of total users being curious Gmail fans; neither figure will challenge the webmail status quo, but they reflect how far the service has come since the 10 million of the first two weeks. The company is marking the occasion with faster archiving, more shortcuts and more color themes in the web client. For some, though, the real reason to celebrate may be a dedicated Outlook.com app for Android. While it's not revolutionary (there's clear traces of the Hotmail app), it provides an avenue for Exchange-based messaging on a platform where access still isn't guaranteed. We're not expecting legions to switch to Outlook.com just for these updates, especially not among an Android contingent that has Gmail almost as a matter of course; Microsoft might not mind if the upgrades at least keep existing converts from drifting back.
Outlook.com hits 10 million users in just two weeks, gives webmail a kickstart
E-mail isn't typically known for generating the kind of rabid adoption that you see with, say, smartphones. Microsoft, then, may have some room to brag when Outlook.com produces similar numbers. Tucked in amidst news of the finished SkyDrive app remake is word that the new webmail service already has 10 million members in its first two weeks of action. That's fast when you put it in the context of Gmail's slow but steady growth, although the boasting doesn't tell the whole story. As many with Hotmail spam addresses can attest, there's a difference between signing up and becoming an active user. We wouldn't be shocked if some of that 10 million was part of an early gold rush for the best names -- no one wants to be stuck with janesmith197904, after all.
Yahoo confirms Mail / Messenger outage, working on a fix
Google Talk and Twitter had their moments last week, and now it's Yahoo's turn. As noted by a flood of readers -- and confirmed by the company itself -- the exclamation marked mail service is currently experiencing some issues. Yahoo Mail is prompting users to accept its terms and then just sort of conking out. We reached out to Yahoo for comment and received the following response: Yahoo! Mail, Messenger and other areas of Yahoo! may currently be inaccessible or slow to respond to some users in certain locations. We are working to correct the issue and restore all functionality immediately. We know that this may have caused some inconvenience and we apologize to our users who might be affected. We'll update you when things are back to normal. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Phew, everything seems to be back in working order.
Hotmail turns 15, checks spam folder for misfiled birthday wishes
This Monday marked the 15th anniversary of the birth of Hotmail. That July 4th launch date is no coincidence -- the service's founders intended its release to highlight the symbolism of its independence from more traditional e-mail models. The following year, the service would be snatched up by Microsoft and housed under the software giant's MSN umbrella. The subsequent years haven't always been easy for the brand, thanks in part to competition from Yahoo and Google-owned services. In 2007, the service fired back, revamping and rebranding itself as Windows Live Hotmail. It's been a decade and a half of ups and downs, but the webmail service continues to be one of the most widely used in the world. Got any Hotmail-related memories? Please share them in the comments below.
Google says less is more: Gmail and Google Calendar to sport a more spartan look
Does Gmail's current look seem chaotic and claustrophobic to you? Are you overwhelmed by the myriad mailing options, labels, and chat windows? We aren't either, but apparently Google sees things differently, and has an interface overhaul planned that'll simplify things in your webmail world. It looks like the spacious and simple design language from Google + will carry over to all the web services proffered by the gang in Mountain View. For now, it's available as a couple of simplistic skins to be tried on in the Themes tab of your Gmail settings, with more permanent changes rolling out in the coming months. Google Calendar is slated for a stripped-down wardrobe in the next few days as well, with El Goog promising more cosmetic and functional changes for both services later this summer. In the meantime, the company's looking for feedback on its new interface so it can fix any issues folks find. We want your opinions, too, so tell us what you think of Google's new threads in the comments below.
Yahoo upgrades its email for everyone, puts Facebook updates and tweets in your inbox
Yahoo is the latest in a line of would-be champions to try to topple king Gmail from its perch atop the email mountain. The company's newest Mail Beta (no relation to Gmail Beta) was introduced last October, but now its overhauled UI and fresh features are available to all. With the change comes quicker load times, stronger spam filtration, and it lets you send and receive Facebook updates and tweets. It also automatically turns picture and video links into thumbnail previews and handles up to 100MB attachments. These fancy new features are certainly a step in the right direction (even if the purple paintjob isn't), but time will tell if it'll rule the webmail world.
