(The Root) -- The Google brand might seem ubiquitous, but when it comes to email service, Hotmail still reigns as the Web-mail choice for 324 million users worldwide. Hotmail dominated the market when it was introduced 16 years ago, but the launch of Gmail and the rising popularity of social media and texting as preferred means of communication left Hotmail struggling to stay relevant. Microsoft is attempting to change that with the introduction of the new Web-based email platform Outlook.com.

The first thing you'll notice about the new interface is the simplicity of design. The ads are much less obnoxious, and the look and feel are generally more streamlined than before. Outlook also includes the ability to connect to your social networks, so now you can see Facebook status updates, tweets or LinkedIn posts in your inbox.

Connection to Skype is coming soon, allowing you to video-chat through email as well. The Exchange ActiveSync feature will sync everything across your desktop, smartphone, calendar and tablet. Microsoft will also offer 7 gigabytes of free storage on SkyDrive.

Read the full story at theroot.com.

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