Hotmail and Outlook are both email services provided by Microsoft, but they have some key differences:
History: Hotmail was originally launched in 1996 as one of the first web-based email services. In 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail and rebranded it as MSN Hotmail. Over the years, it went through various name changes and eventually became Outlook.com in 2013. Outlook, on the other hand, is a broader platform that includes not only email but also a personal information manager and calendar software. Outlook has been around since the 1990s as part of the Microsoft Office suite.
User Interface: Hotmail and Outlook have different user interfaces. Hotmail had a traditional email interface with folders and a basic layout, while Outlook.com introduced a more modern and streamlined interface with a focus on simplicity and organization. The Outlook desktop application has its own unique interface and features that are different from the web version.
Integration: Outlook is more integrated with other Microsoft products and services. It seamlessly connects with the Outlook desktop application, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), OneDrive cloud storage, and other Microsoft services. Hotmail, being an older service, had fewer integrations with Microsoft's broader ecosystem.
Features: Outlook.com offers additional features beyond email, such as a built-in calendar, contacts management, tasks, and notes. It provides a more comprehensive suite of productivity tools. The Outlook desktop application provides even more advanced features, including advanced email management, customizable filters, and integration with third-party applications.
Branding: While Hotmail was rebranded as Outlook.com, Hotmail email addresses (@hotmail.com) continued to be supported, allowing existing users to keep their email addresses. Outlook.com also allows users to create new email addresses with the domain extensions @outlook.com, @live.com, or @msn.com. The Outlook brand is also used for the desktop application and the web-based version available through Microsoft 365.
It's worth noting that the terms "Hotmail" and "Outlook" are sometimes used interchangeably or informally, which can cause confusion. However, Hotmail primarily refers to the historical web-based email service, while Outlook encompasses a broader range of email and productivity services provided by Microsoft.
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