Microsoft To Add Outlook To Windows RT Tablets
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,
Washington, 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. 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. 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.
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