Microsoft’s Gmail Killer Adds Support for Google Drive

Microsoft has just rolled out an important update for Outlook.com that makes it easier for users to send attachments and photos, but also to find pictures in long conversations a lot faster.

First and foremost, the most important improvement is the addition of Google Drive support. This means that users of Microsoft’s email service can now connect directly to Google Drive and attach files from their accounts without leaving the email interface.

All you have to do is click on the attachment icon in Outlook.com, select Google Drive, provide your credentials, and then browse your account to choose the photos you want to attach.

Furthermore, the new update makes it possible to open Google documents straight from Outloook.com and you can see both the file and the email you were writing side by side in the same window. (Check out the screenshot included in the article to see how this feature works.)

“Now, when you receive a Google Doc, Slide or Sheet, you can open the file within Outlook. Just like photos and Office file types, the Google files open in Outlook next to your message window so your work flow is not disrupted. And, as with Google Drive links, if you have edit permissions, you’ll be able to edit using the full functionality available on Google Drive - again, all without leaving Outlook,” Microsoft explains.

Facebook photo support

Facebook support is also added with this new update, and it works in a similar way with Gmail, but this time you can easily attach only your photos to emails without leaving the Outlook.com screen.

Last but not least, Microsoft is also making it easier to view all attachments in a certain conversation thanks to a new attachment icon included in every thread that lets you view all files that you or your contacts previously sent. Clicking on a certain file lets you instantly open it in Outlook.com.

These new features will be rolled out over the next few weeks, Microsoft says, so not everyone is getting them from the very beginning, although they should show up in your account very soon.