Photograph: Giuseppe Lago/AFP/CB.
Around the turn of the millennium, the world witnessed the birth of a revolution in digital communications. With the launch of Hotmail in 1996, web-based email services became popular. The service quickly created a buzz and gained more solidity when it began to be integrated with MSN messenger. But after the peak, what remains of the service?
With the emergence of many other email services, such as Google’s Gmail, Hotmail was left aside. Although many people still use the address to log in, the branding was discontinued in 2012, making way for Outlook — which doesn’t mean the old addresses stopped working. See what happened with Hotmail below.
Does Hotmail still exist?
A year after its launch, in 1997, Microsoft acquired Hotmail. Years later, in 2012, the company decided to modernize email by converting hotmail.com.br to outlook.com. This change was not only visual, it brought with it a series of new functions and security features – and integration with MSN no longer made sense, as the messenger was discontinued the following year
The change also ended in 2013, and Microsoft left its users free to decide whether to keep their addresses as @hotmail.com or change to the new @outlook.com.
Therefore, Hotmail no longer exists under the same name, it is now called Outlook, but some users still have @hotmail in their email addresses and can log in.
Can I still sign up for Hotmail?
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to register at @hotmail.com as the domain is now @outlook.com.
So, if a new user tries to access hotmail.com, they will automatically be redirected to the Outlook page, where they can create a new account, but using the @outlook address.
How do I sign in to my Hotmail account?
1. Access outlook.com
2. Click Sign in
3. Fill in your email address in the login box and then enter your password
4. Go to your inbox and check your emails
It’s important to emphasize that users who already have @hotmail in their addresses can continue to access their email using that domain, without having to change to @outlook.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a Hotmail email?
Hotmail, now known as Outlook, offers a series of benefits to its users.
First, integration with other Microsoft services, such as the Office suite, as well as the email security infrastructure, which protects messages from hacking. Email also has a high storage capacity.
However, the interface, although updated with the move to Outlook, may be considered by some to be less intuitive compared to other email platforms, and integration with Microsoft services may limit flexibility for those who prefer to use apps and tools from other companies.
Therefore, to get an email on Hotmail/Outlook, it is important to analyze the user’s usage profile and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages provided by this service. For those still logging in, the Outlook interface is very similar to Hotmail’s — even the blue colors have been preserved.
Are there email options other than Hotmail?
There are several email service options for creating an account in addition to Hotmail/Outlook. Some of the most common emails include:
1. Gmail (Google): Gmail offers plenty of storage space and integration with other Google services (like WorkSpace and Photos)
2. Yahoo Mail: Provides an easy-to-use interface, customization features, and integration with other Yahoo services
3. AOL Mail: Offers a free email service with features like spam filtering, folder organization, and instant messaging integration
4. Zoho Mail: Ideal for business users, Zoho Mail offers an email service with collaboration, calendaring, and cloud storage features
5. iCloud Mail: For Apple users, iCloud Mail offers branded device integration (device data storage) and privacy features
Source: Estadão.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.