News: Hotmail Going Metro

In late 2010, Microsoft made a come back with their first Metro-styled product, Windows Phone 7. The phone was like nothing anyone had ever seen before. Soon after its release, developers were porting the new “Metro” UI to devices like the HD2, as well as creating themes for devices not capable of running the firmware. Not even a year later, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8, the successor to its current PC operating system, and their second Metro style product.

Since the initial launch of this new user interface, Microsoft has sought to unify the brand by incorporating the Metro experience throughout their product and service line. From the photos leaked to Liveside, it appears the next service to get the snazzy new look will be, Hotmail, the tried-and-true web-based email client.

According to the source, the new Hotmail, or “Newmail,” if you will, is said to be “fast, fluid, and intuitive.” For those who fear change, you will be able to temporarily “opt-in/out” of the new design, allowing you some time to get acclimated to the idea. For those of you who are starting to drool over the idea of Metro coming to Hotmail, Liveside has also provided some details of what to expect, which are apparently included in the introductory email for “Newmail”.

• A modern interface: faster and cleaner
  The simple, fluid and interactive design of Newmail makes it easy to use whether you’re on a desktop, phone or tablet.
• Get a Newmail email address for your new inbox
  You can get a new email address from Newmail. You don’t have to worry about your contacts and previous emails, you’ll keep them. And, you’ll continue receiving messages sent to your current email address.
• Bring your inbox to life – Connect Facebook
  Connect and chat across services like Facebook and Twitter. Keep your contacts information automatically in sync, and see what your friends are up to, right from Newmail

After reading the email excerpt and viewing the leaked pics, you are probably wondering what the heck Microsoft is thinking by renaming their web-mail client once again. Keep your hats on people; from the sound of it, “Newmail” is simply a place holder, and your email address will not be affected by the change.