Will Microsoft release Outlook client for Windows RT?

Have you thought of the need for an “Outlook RT” to complement Windows RT systems? Well, there are some talks that Microsoft has developed an Outlook version for Windows RT and that the program is under a test process. But, Microsoft has not released any official statement to this end, and the new Outlook version may just be imaginary, we don’t know whether it will make it to the market.

It seems that Microsoft’s new Outlook client for Windows RT is more powerful than the Mail app that comes on Windows 8 devices. The supposed Outlook version runs on Redmond’s ARM-based Surface RT tablets. Windows RT devices come preinstalled with Office 2013 Home & Student RT, a package that includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote. Only the Home & Business edition includes Outlook in the Office suite.

So, it remains that Windows RT users can’t do business messaging and collaboration. And, the built-in Mail, People and Calendar applications are said to offer just the basic functions. That’s not comparable to what many smartphones have to offer. And, Windows Store doesn’t have other better options, meaning that webmail has been considered apt.

There are divided views about the need for Outlook RT. The RT Office suite has virtually all the expected apps, except Outlook. But, that hasn’t deprived the efficacy of Windows RT. Nevertheless, a few favour the launch of Outlook RT. Some say that Microsoft may prefer to keep its Mail client on top.

With all that, some conclude that Microsoft is left with two options – either rename the Mail app to Outlook, or introduce an ARM version of Outlook client. Or is the company preparing to include Outlook in its future Windows RT devices? Microsoft’s Surface Pro is due to be launched in February 2013.