Microsoft quietly unveiled its new Outlook.com Premium this week, and it's giving US consumers a sneak peek—for $20.
The subscription version of Redmond's email service will cost $50 per year. But early bird users can opt into the public preview for a discounted $19.95. The modern inbox boasts enhanced security, privacy, and reliability features, and promises no banner ads, "so you can enjoy a distraction-free view of your email, photos and documents," the product page says.
Plus, users can create a personalized email address ending—stephanie@pcmagrox.com, for example—for up to five people (at no cost in the first year). But with great power comes great responsibility: Once you select a domain name, it cannot be changed. Microsoft will automatically share calendars, contacts, and files between those addresses, keeping family members or business partners in the loop.
Existing domains also work with Outlook.com Premium, which can sync to your current Outlook mailbox.
Sign in to get started. Just remember: This preview is only half-baked; it is currently missing the usual auto-forward and groups functions, according to Engadget.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
The company, meanwhile, on Tuesday announced the upcoming ability to sign into other Redmond services like Xbox, Office, and OneDrive using Skype user details.
"With a single sign-in (and an email address for certain services) you will soon be able to have fun on Xbox Live, access your photos and documents through OneDrive, check your email on Outlook.com, and connect with your friends and family on Skype," Microsoft said in a blog post.
The Skype sign-in screen, password change, and account recovery flow are now managed by Microsoft.