Outlook 2013 Preview
Microsoft recently released the consumer preview of Microsoft Office 2013. The preview is available free of charge at:
This is part four of a series of articles describing some of the changes and new features of Office 2013.
Microsoft Outlook 2013 includes the traditional ribbon style interface of the 2007/2010 versions of Outlook with ascetic changes mostly focused around the new look of Windows 8/Metro style. The most significant of these changes is the switch from icons to words to describe tabs in the interface.
One of the major changes to come to Outlook 2013 is the inline reply, where clicking reply when viewing a message will let you type directly in the window, instead of opening up a new e-mail window to reply in.
A feature I am looking forward to is the peek feature, which pops up a quick selection window. This is especially helpful in the People section (contacts) which lets you search for a name without having to switch views from Mail to People.
People, formally contacts, also includes updates and pictures from social networking sites you may belong to and have setup. This information can be helpful for people who mix work/home life or those who use a social network at work.
The calendar view also gets updated, with automatic weather for the next 3 days which will come in handy for people planing outdoor activities or checking the calendar’s events against weather forecast.
So is Outlook 2013 worth it? Various small improvements and interface upgrades make the new Outlook the best one yet. While there is nothing fundamentally changing in the way e-mail and calendar works in Outlook 2013 I will still be upgrading when it comes out.
Rubens Barrichello says he would have been an asset to Williams this season and could have helped them achieve greater success. 
McLaren Managing Director Jonathon Neale says the team are close to agreeing a new deal with 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. 
Martin Whitmarsh says he would be against a two-tier formula when Formula 1 introduces new turbo engines in 2014. 
Valtteri Bottas has reiterated his desire to race for Williams next season, the Finn saying he wants a "long career" with them. 
Jenson Button has refused to write off his chances of challenging for the 2012 Drivers' Championship despite being 88 points behind the leader. 
Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed he will not stand for re-election as the Chairman of the Formula 1 Teams Association (FOTA). 
The European Commission are to investigate the government aid granted to the Nurburgring over fears it may have breached free market rules. 
Pirelli are keen to stay in Formula 1 as the sole tyre supplier after their current deal expires at the end of the 2013 season. 
Ross Brawn says there is still more to come from Mercedes as the team gears up for the second half of the 2012 season. 
Sauber have confirmed they would like to continue their partnership with Ferrari, when the new V6 turbo engine regulations come into force in 2014. 
Mark Webber believes no team can currently claim to have the outright fastest car in F1 and reckons the most consistent package will ultimately emerge on top. 
Sauber's Kobayashi and Perez are optimistic further podium finishes, and even a race victory, will still be within the team's reach when racing resumes. 
Bernie Ecclestone says his preference for any future F1 race in London remains for a track around the centre of the capital rather than at the Olympic Park. 
Lotus technical chief James Allison has told The F1 Show that the team's double DRS-style device will "pay for itself" over the rest of 2012. 
Ferrari Technical Director Pat Fry says "there is still a lot to do" if they are to win their first Drivers' Championship since 2007. 
Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery has hinted the tyre manufacturer could leave Formula 1 if a rival company enters the sport. 
Lotus Technical Director James Allison says Kimi Raikkonen can still challenge for the 2012 Drivers' Championship during the final nine races. 
McLaren have confirmed they are developing a double DRS similar to the system already being run by Mercedes. 
Sergio Perez has declared that now is 'the time to know' whether or not he has the opportunity to join Ferrari or another team for 2013. 
Felipe Massa insists that although his F1 future remains unclear his main focus is on improving his results when the season resumes. 
Williams' Mark Gillan says Bruno Senna's Hungarian GP performance was his best yet at the team and he now hopes the Brazilian will build on it. 
