In an interview with CNET, Microsoft’s Dharmesh Mehta revealed that a new Hotmail update would include the long-awaited IMAP features for Hotmail and would be released this week (maybe today) for Hotmail. This update is a significant milestone for Hotmail users who have been eagerly anticipating enhanced email management capabilities.
Allowing Hotmail users to use ActiveSync to enable push e-mail on cell phones and other devices, together with the long-awaited IMAP Hotmail support, marks a substantial improvement in the service’s functionality. This update will provide users with more flexibility and efficiency in managing their emails across various devices.
Understanding IMAP and ActiveSync
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a protocol used by email clients to retrieve messages from a mail server. Unlike POP3, which downloads emails to a single device, IMAP allows users to access their emails from multiple devices, keeping the messages in sync across all platforms. This means that actions such as reading, deleting, or organizing emails on one device will be reflected on all other devices connected to the same account.
ActiveSync, on the other hand, is a protocol developed by Microsoft that allows mobile devices to synchronize emails, contacts, calendar events, and tasks with a mail server. By enabling push email, ActiveSync ensures that new emails are delivered to the user’s device as soon as they arrive on the server, providing real-time email updates.
Benefits of the New Hotmail Update
The integration of IMAP and ActiveSync in Hotmail brings several benefits to users:
1. Seamless Synchronization: With IMAP support, Hotmail users can now enjoy seamless synchronization of their emails across multiple devices. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, your emails will be consistently updated, providing a unified email experience.
2. Real-Time Email Delivery: ActiveSync’s push email feature ensures that new emails are delivered to your device in real-time. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to stay on top of their emails and respond promptly.
3. Enhanced Compatibility: The update makes Hotmail more compatible with a wider range of email clients and devices. Users can now set up their Hotmail accounts on popular email clients like Apple Mail, Thunderbird, and Outlook, as well as on various mobile devices.
4. Improved Email Management: With IMAP, users can organize their emails into folders and subfolders, making it easier to manage and locate important messages. The changes made on one device will be reflected across all devices, ensuring consistency.
If you already use ActiveSync to connect to a Microsoft Exchange server, then you won’t be able to set up the connection to your Hotmail account. This limitation is due to the fact that most devices only support a single ActiveSync account at a time. However, this feature will be most useful on a relatively small number of phones that support dual ActiveSync accounts, including the Palm Pre, the latest iPhone, and the forthcoming Windows Phone 7-based devices.
For users who rely on multiple email accounts, this update provides a more streamlined and efficient way to manage their communications. The ability to access and synchronize emails across different devices and platforms enhances productivity and ensures that important messages are never missed.
The new Hotmail update with IMAP and ActiveSync support is a significant enhancement that addresses the needs of modern email users. By providing seamless synchronization, real-time email delivery, and improved compatibility, Microsoft is taking a major step forward in improving the Hotmail experience. Users can look forward to a more efficient and convenient way to manage their emails, whether they are at home, in the office, or on the go.
Via CNET
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