Ecosystem integration seems to be one of priorities for
Microsoft at this moment. Just look at Windows 10 that reportedly will run on
almost all devices from Microsoft, including Xbox One and HoloLens. At the same
time, reportedly Microsoft will also integrate the Outlook.com email service
into Office 365 platform. The Verge reported that all users of Outlook.com is
planned to be migrated to Office 365 before the end of 2015.
The paid service of Office 365 itself is actually also
includes Outlook Web Access email service. In the future, the Outlook.com’s
changes will refer to the interface and features offered by Outlook Web Access.
So does it mean Outlook.com users will have to subscribe to
Office 365 to be able to access the inbox? According to some information, you
don't have to pay the subscription because the name of Outlook.com will
continue to be maintained and can still be used freely. This integration is
intended to make the Outlook, Exchange and Office 365 can be aligned and
consistent, both technologically and visually.
Rob Lefferts, General Manager of Office Apps, explained that
it is likely there will be changes to the user interface of Outlook.com. The
technology behind Office 365 will also be 'donated' to Outlook.com so that the
service doesn't create an impression as if it was a separate service from the
outside of Microsoft ecosystem.
If talking about the time when exactly this migration will
be performed, perhaps Microsoft will do it gradually, starting from the US
market first, followed by users in other countries.