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In an effort to keep up with Gmail, Google’s popular e-mail service, and Yahoo, Microsoft has revamped Hotmail, unveiling a social-friendly version of the service in hopes of making up shares lost to its competitors.
A Reuters report reveals that Microsoft will change the name of Hotmail to Outlook.com; it will feature a sharp new look and the ability to link to social media sites. The changes will take place in the coming weeks.
Despite Hotmail still being the world’s largest e-mail service, Microsoft has been losing customers to Google and Yahoo at a rapid pace. Gmail now has about 31% of the market, with Yahoo having 32%.
The updated service’s name should be familiar as it shares the name of Microsoft Office’s professional e-mail service, which most corporations use. By naming it Outlook.com, Microsoft can market a brand that already resonates with consumers.
The challenge now is for Microsoft to aggressively promote the rebranding of the aging Hotmail and make it clear to users that Gmail is now the musty e-mail option.
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