Other New Features in Outlook 2007

Some new Outlook 2007 features, such as the new user interface (UI), support for the Internet calendar format, and RSS support, benefit all users, not just those who use it as a client to Exchange Server 2007. However, since Outlook 2007’s new UI mixes elements of Outlook 2003 with new UI elements of Office 2007, the transition may be confusing to some.

Hybrid User Interface

Office 2007’s most obvious change is the new UI used by the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications. Unlike the fixed menu structure of all previous versions of Office, the commands visible in the new UI shift dynamically based on what the user is doing. Instead of menus, toolbars, and task panes, the new UI features a “ribbon” that shows command icons relevant to the user’s current activity. In addition, “galleries” show commands with common options, enabling users to quickly find the most relevant options and get a quick preview of the effect each option will have. (For more information on the new UI, see “Office 2007 Ships with New User Interface” on page 10 of the Jan. 2007 Update.)