14 DAY TRIAL // It looks like Microsoft is developing a new application for iPhone, which will work with multiple email services, including Outlook and Gmail.
For the time being, it's unclear what is powering the backend (IMAP or POP3), Neowin notes, but the application is known to be called Flow and will be announced very soon.
Some of the features included in the application have already been leaked by @WalkingCat (also known as h0x0d) , and judging from their description, Flow sounds like a complex email companion application. Here is an excerpt of the Flow's description that might go official in the not so distant future:
"Use Flow with anyone, it's email: Reach anyone with an email address and all conversations for you and others are also in Outlook. Together, you can use Flow and Outlook interchangeably to participate in the same conversations.
“Fast, fluid, natural conversations: No subject lines, salutations, or signatures. Flow is designed for fast, light-weight conversations in real time.
“Focus on what's important: Only conversations started in Flow and their replies show up in Flow, not your whole inbox. Focus on your most important person-to-person conversations without the noise.”
The app mixes elements of a messaging app and email client
It's also worth mentioning that sources close to the matter claim that Flow will feature group chat support and the option to send picture. However, video chat is not yet available, but it might be in when Flow gets released.
Microsoft is now testing Flow for iPhone internally, so for the moment it would be too early to talk about release. But if the tests are successful, we expect more details on Microsoft application of iOS to emerge online.
It's also unclear whether or not Flow will be launched on other platforms like Android and Windows Phone as well, or perhaps Microsoft has other plans for these two OSes. Stay tuned for more on this one.