Microsoft adds IMAP support to Outlook.com

Microsoft waited a year after the launch of its new Outlook.com webmail and 400 million users to add IMAP support, coupled with the OAuth authentication protocol.

The reasons for this new compatibility are also fairly well known. First, many users requested it, he had to respond. On the other hand, Microsoft is also trying to attract developers. In a blog post, Microsoft wrote that "some devices and applications have not yet made the upgrade to Exchange Active Sync (EAS)" and that IMAP is an old protocol, most feature phones are compatible with, as some mail clients, including those compatible with the Mac. "

Now Outlook.com is a real alternative to popular services in terms of functionality, what has been missing for years Hotmail for example, who was confined to a few very basic functions.

"IMAP OAuth give the opportunity for developers to build third-party customers and value-added services", but also to adapt their applications to Outlook.com. Microsoft also cites a list of services that have already integrated IMAP functions: TripIt, Sift, Slice, * motley bunch, Unroll.me, OtherInbox and Context.IO.