14 DAY TRIAL // As I reported earlier today, Microsoft is now testing ads in the default Windows 10 Mail app, but as some insiders noticed, this rather controversial update may also bring a series of welcome improvements.
One of them is an overhauled user interface, which as spotted by some reddit users, makes the Windows 10 Mail app feel a little bit more modern.
There are new icons, as well as photo previews, and shortcuts to the calendar moved to the left sidebar for a cleaner look that’s focused on mail folders and the message list.
While the appearance of the Mail app is improving, the refinements that Microsoft brings to the client are received with mixed feelings by insiders.
Visual overhaul tested by insiders
For example, the screenshot you see here shows the Mail app taking up most of the screen, but the layout and the fonts used by Microsoft mean it can only show five different messages at once. This is considered by many a waste of space, especially if receiving tons of emails every day, and it somehow doesn’t align with Microsoft’s push for productivity.
However, it’s worth noting that this visual overhaul is just in testing phase right now, as the update is currently available for Windows insiders exclusively.
As for when and if it could go live for production devices, that should depend on the user feedback, but if everything goes well, the update may receive the go-ahead in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, those who aren’t pleased with the way the default Mail app is improving in Windows 10 can always switch to third-party email clients. Mozilla Thunderbird continues to be one of the best choices around, and although it doesn’t feature the modern look of the Windows 10 Mail app, it’s considered by many a critical tool for everyday productivity.