Microsoft Revives People App for Windows 11: What to Expect

Microsoft appears to be breathing new life into the Windows People app, reimagining it as a web-based application integrated with Outlook.com for Windows 11 users subscribed to Microsoft 365. This potential revival comes amidst evolving user needs and the company's ongoing efforts to streamline contact management across its ecosystem.

A Nostalgic Return: The Legacy of the People App​

Introduced as one of the flagship features of Windows 10, the People app served as a centralized hub for managing contacts. It seamlessly integrated data from various platforms, including Microsoft Outlook, work accounts, Skype, LinkedIn, and other social media and email services. The app was tethered to the Windows 10 taskbar, enabling users to maintain and access their contacts effortlessly without juggling multiple applications and websites.
The People app's core functionality was to consolidate all contacts in one place, working in tandem with Windows 10’s Mail and Calendar apps. This integration allowed users to send emails, schedule meetings, and manage events directly from their contact list, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Transition to Windows 11: Discontinuation and User Adaptation​

With the rollout of Windows 11, Microsoft opted to discontinue the standalone People app. Instead, users were encouraged to access their contacts through the revamped Mail and Calendar applications. This shift aimed to streamline the user experience by reducing the number of separate apps and integrating contact management within existing productivity tools.
However, recent updates have seen the Mail and Calendar apps being replaced by a newer version of Outlook. While this iteration of Outlook offers enhanced features, it falls short in providing comprehensive contact management capabilities compared to the original People app. Users have expressed the need for more robust contact management tools within Outlook, signaling a gap that Microsoft may be keen to address.

Leaked Blueprint: Microsoft 365 Companion or People App for Windows 11​

Earlier today, a setup executable (setup.exe) labeled as "Microsoft 365 Companion" surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), sparking rumors about Microsoft's intentions to revive the People app. Initial assessments suggest that this new application could be the web-based reincarnation of the People app, leveraging a Microsoft Edge-based web wrapper centered around Outlook.com.

Features and Functionality​

Preliminary tests conducted by Windows Latest revealed that executing the setup file launches a new application accessible via the taskbar, accompanied by a Microsoft 365 icon. Upon initiating the setup, users are greeted with a sign-in interface, after which the People (preview) app becomes available.
The revamped People app focuses on surfacing contacts stored within Outlook. Users can:

• View Contacts: Access and browse through their Outlook contacts seamlessly.
• Quick Actions: Initiate emails or schedule events directly from a contact's profile.
• Meeting Integration: Set up meetings that automatically sync with the user's calendar.
• Communication Tools: Make calls using Microsoft Teams or Skype.
• File Sharing: View files shared with specific contacts.

Additionally, the app includes a toggle for the "Whole life" experience, potentially allowing users to incorporate personal accounts or aggregate contacts from various sources into a unified interface.

Technical Specifications​

The new People app is remarkably lightweight, with a footprint of less than 2MB. However, preliminary observations indicate that the application is still in its nascent stages and may not yet offer full functionality or stability expected from a mature application.

Implications for Microsoft 365 Users​

If Microsoft proceeds with the deployment of this web-based People app, it could significantly enhance the contact management experience for Microsoft 365 subscribers, especially those using work or school accounts. By centralizing contacts within Outlook.com and integrating with other Microsoft services, the app promises to deliver a more cohesive and efficient workflow.

Potential Benefits​

• Enhanced Productivity: Streamlined access to contacts and integrated communication tools can reduce the time spent navigating between different apps.
• Unified Experience: Consolidating contact information from multiple sources into a single interface simplifies user interactions.
• Improved Collaboration: Integration with Teams and Skype facilitates easier communication and collaboration with contacts.

Challenges and Considerations​

Despite the promising features, there are areas where Microsoft needs to focus:

• Feature Parity: The new People app must ensure it offers at least the same level of functionality as the Windows 10 version to meet user expectations.
• Stability and Performance: As the app is currently less than 2MB and not fully functional, ensuring robust performance will be crucial for user adoption.
• User Feedback: Incorporating feedback from early testers and addressing any issues promptly will be essential to refine the application.

Outlook’s Evolution: A Double-Edged Sword​

While the introduction of a new People app is a welcomed development, it coincides with the rollout of the updated Outlook application, which has received mixed reviews. Users have noted that the new Outlook lacks some features present in the classic version and does not match the performance of native applications like Outlook Win32 or the Mail and Calendar UWP apps.
This dichotomy highlights a broader challenge for Microsoft: balancing the integration of new features with maintaining the reliability and functionality that users have come to expect. Ensuring that both Outlook and the new People app complement each other without compromising user experience will be pivotal.

Community Perspectives​

The potential revival of the People app has stirred discussions within the Windows community. Users are eager to see how the new web-based approach will fare in terms of usability and feature set compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the integration with Microsoft 365 services raises questions about accessibility for non-subscribers and the overall direction of Microsoft's contact management strategy.

Conclusion​

Microsoft's exploration into resurrecting the People app as a web-based solution for Windows 11 signifies its commitment to enhancing user productivity and streamlining contact management within its ecosystem. While the initial leaks and tests are promising, the path forward will require meticulous development and user-centric refinements to ensure the new application meets the diverse needs of its user base.
As Microsoft continues to evolve its suite of productivity tools, the introduction of the new People app could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of contact management on Windows platforms. Windows Forum members are encouraged to share their thoughts and expectations as this development unfolds.

Microsoft Revives Windows People App as a Web-Based Companion for Windows 11​

Microsoft is set to breathe new life into its discontinued Windows People app by reintroducing it as a web-based application integrated with Outlook.com for Windows 11 users under the Microsoft 365 subscription. This potential revival comes as part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance user productivity and streamline contact management within its ecosystem.

The Legacy of the Windows People App​

The original People app was introduced as one of the flagship features of Windows 10, serving as a centralized hub for managing contacts. It seamlessly integrated various contact sources, including Microsoft Outlook, work accounts, Skype, LinkedIn, and other social media and email platforms. By consolidating all contacts in one place, the People app eliminated the need for users to switch between multiple applications and websites to access their contact information.
Tied closely to the Windows 10 taskbar, the People app allowed users to maintain and access their contacts effortlessly, enhancing productivity by integrating with the Mail and Calendar apps. This integration enabled users to send emails, schedule meetings, and manage events directly from their contact list.

Discontinuation in Windows 11 and Growing Demand for a Revival​

With the advent of Windows 11, Microsoft made the strategic decision to discontinue the standalone People app. Instead, users were encouraged to access their contacts through the revamped Mail and Calendar applications. However, recent updates have seen the Mail and Calendar apps being replaced by a newer version of Outlook, which, while offering enhanced features, falls short in providing comprehensive contact management capabilities compared to the original People app.
The lack of robust contact management in the new Outlook has left a gap that many users hope Microsoft will address. This need for a more integrated and efficient contact management solution has paved the way for rumors and speculations about the potential revival of the People app.

Leaked Setup File Sparks Speculation of a New People App​

Earlier today, a setup.exe file labeled as "Microsoft 365 Companion" was leaked on X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread speculation about Microsoft's intentions. Initial analyses suggest that this new application might be a web-based reincarnation of the People app, leveraging a Microsoft Edge-based web wrapper centered around Outlook.com.

Features of the New People App​

Preliminary tests conducted by Windows Latest revealed that executing the setup file initiates the installation of a new application accessible via the Windows 11 taskbar, adorned with a Microsoft 365 icon. Upon launching the setup, users are greeted with a sign-in interface, after which the People (preview) app becomes available.
The revamped People app focuses on surfacing contacts stored within Outlook, offering the following features:

• Contact Viewing: Access and browse through Outlook contacts seamlessly.
• Quick Actions: Initiate emails or schedule events directly from a contact's profile.
• Meeting Integration: Set up meetings that automatically sync with the user's calendar.
• Communication Tools: Make calls using Microsoft Teams or Skype.
• File Sharing: View files shared with specific contacts.

Additionally, the app includes a toggle for the "Whole life" experience, which likely allows users to incorporate personal accounts or aggregate contacts from various sources into a unified interface.

Technical Specifications and Current Limitations​

The new People app is remarkably lightweight, with a footprint of less than 2MB. However, preliminary observations indicate that the application is still in its nascent stages and may not yet offer full functionality or stability expected from a mature application. Users have noted that while the core features are present, the app does not yet perform flawlessly, indicating that Microsoft is still in the process of refining its functionalities.

Implications for Microsoft 365 Users​

If Microsoft proceeds with the deployment of this web-based People app, it could significantly enhance the contact management experience for Microsoft 365 subscribers, especially those using work or school accounts. By centralizing contacts within Outlook.com and integrating with other Microsoft services, the app promises to deliver a more cohesive and efficient workflow.

Potential Benefits​

• Enhanced Productivity: Streamlined access to contacts and integrated communication tools can reduce the time spent navigating between different apps.
• Unified Experience: Consolidating contact information from multiple sources into a single interface simplifies user interactions.
• Improved Collaboration: Integration with Teams and Skype facilitates easier communication and collaboration with contacts.

Challenges and Considerations​

Despite the promising features, there are areas where Microsoft needs to focus:

• Feature Parity: The new People app must ensure it offers at least the same level of functionality as the Windows 10 version to meet user expectations.
• Stability and Performance: As the app is currently less than 2MB and not fully functional, ensuring robust performance will be crucial for user adoption.
• User Feedback: Incorporating feedback from early testers and addressing any issues promptly will be essential to refine the application.

Outlook’s Evolution: Balancing Innovation and User Needs​

While the introduction of a new People app is a welcomed development, it coincides with the rollout of the updated Outlook application, which has received mixed reviews. Users have noted that the new Outlook lacks some features present in the classic version and does not match the performance of native applications like Outlook Win32 or the Mail and Calendar UWP apps.
This dichotomy highlights a broader challenge for Microsoft: balancing the integration of new features with maintaining the reliability and functionality that users have come to expect. Ensuring that both Outlook and the new People app complement each other without compromising user experience will be pivotal.

Community Perspectives​

The potential revival of the People app has stirred discussions within the Windows community. Users are eager to see how the new web-based approach will fare in terms of usability and feature set compared to its predecessor. Additionally, the integration with Microsoft 365 services raises questions about accessibility for non-subscribers and the overall direction of Microsoft's contact management strategy.

Conclusion​

Microsoft's exploration into resurrecting the People app as a web-based solution for Windows 11 signifies its commitment to enhancing user productivity and streamlining contact management within its ecosystem. While the initial leaks and tests are promising, the path forward will require meticulous development and user-centric refinements to ensure the new application meets the diverse needs of its user base.
As Microsoft continues to evolve its suite of productivity tools, the introduction of the new People app could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of contact management on Windows platforms. WindowsForum members are encouraged to share their thoughts and expectations as this development unfolds.
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?)