Revamped People App Leaks: A New Hope for Windows 11 Users

Microsoft enthusiasts and Windows 11 users may have something to look forward to as rumors circulate about the development of a revamped People app. A leaked preview version of the new application has surfaced online, suggesting that Microsoft is gearing up to reintroduce a dedicated contacts management tool to the Windows ecosystem. This potential revival marks a significant shift in how users interact with their contacts and social networks on Windows platforms.

A Brief History of the People App​

The People app was first introduced in Windows 8, envisioned as both an address book and a social hub for users. It seamlessly integrated various accounts, including Microsoft services like Outlook and Skype, as well as popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Sina Weibo. This integration aimed to consolidate all contacts in one place, allowing users to monitor updates, tweets, and photos effortlessly.
However, over time, the landscape of social media platforms changed significantly. Due to evolving policies and API restrictions from Facebook and other services, the People app gradually lost its social media integration capabilities. By the time Windows 10 rolled around, the app's functionality had been pared down to primarily support Skype integration. The dwindling features led to a decline in the app's utility, and in 2021, Microsoft removed the ability to launch the People app directly from the Start Menu or search bar. Users could only access it through the People icons within other applications like Mail and Calendar.
With Microsoft now phasing out the native Mail and Calendar apps on Windows, the future of the People app seemed uncertain. However, the recent leak hints at a possible resurgence of this valuable tool.

The Leaked Preview: What We Know​

The newly leaked setup file for the Microsoft People preview app has generated significant buzz within the Windows community. Weighing in at approximately 2.6MB, the preview suggests that the app functions as a web app wrapper rather than a fully native application. Despite its lightweight size, the app offers a promising glimpse into what users might expect from the next iteration of the People app.
Upon installation, the new People preview app appears in the Start Menu and can be conveniently pinned to the Taskbar for easy access. However, there are some limitations in its current state:

• Account Compatibility: At present, the app does not support personal Microsoft accounts. It is only functional when users sign in with supported commercial or education Microsoft accounts.
• Core Features: For those using compatible accounts, the app provides a comprehensive list of contacts, individual contact cards, and a robust search feature that allows users to quickly find specific contacts.
• User Interface: The overall user experience mirrors the contacts section found within the new Outlook app for Windows, ensuring a familiar and intuitive interface for users already accustomed to Outlook's layout.

What This Means for Windows 11 Users​

The potential return of a dedicated People app is exciting news for Windows 11 users who rely heavily on contact management and seamless communication across various platforms. A standalone People app can offer several advantages:

• Centralized Contact Management: By consolidating contacts from multiple accounts and services, users can manage their relationships more efficiently without switching between different applications.
• Enhanced Productivity: Easy access to contact information directly from the Start Menu or Taskbar can streamline workflows, especially for professionals using commercial or education accounts.
• Future Integration: With Microsoft continuing to evolve its ecosystem, the new People app could integrate more deeply with other Microsoft services and third-party applications, offering even more functionality and connectivity.

Uncertainties and Future Prospects​

While the leak of the People preview app is promising, there are still several unanswered questions regarding Microsoft's plans:

• Development Status: It remains unclear whether the leaked app is an active development project or merely an old executable that has resurfaced unexpectedly. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the development of a new People app for Windows 11.
• Personal Account Support: Currently, the lack of support for personal Microsoft accounts limits the app's utility for a significant portion of Windows users. Whether this will change in future updates remains to be seen.
• Long-Term Viability: As Microsoft continues to transition away from native Mail and Calendar apps, the sustainability and future enhancements of the People app will play a crucial role in its success and adoption.

Conclusion​

The leaked preview of the new Microsoft People app signals a potential revival of a much-needed tool for Windows users. If Microsoft proceeds with the development and enhancement of this app, it could significantly improve contact management and user experience on Windows 11. While there are uncertainties surrounding the app's development and feature set, the initial glimpse offers a hopeful outlook for those awaiting a more integrated and dedicated contacts application on the Windows platform.
As Microsoft navigates its evolving software landscape, the return of the People app could be a strategic move to reclaim its earlier success in social and contact management, offering users a unified solution in an increasingly interconnected digital world.
Source: Neowin Microsoft may be reviving the People app in Windows 11