Yesterday, Microsoft began testing updated Mail and Calendar apps with a small group of Windows Insiders in the Skip Ahead ring that brings with it new Fluent Design elements and a clean layout that gives Mail and Calendar a fresh look leading into 2018. Here's a closer look at an early build of the new Mail and Calendar apps.
Considering these apps are still in testing with Insiders, it is likely that there is more work to be done before these new designs are finalized. Right now, the new Mail and Calendar apps feature Fluent Design in subtle yet pleasing ways, such as adding Acrylic and Reveal effects to the hamburger menu on the left of the app windows. There doesn't appear to be any "connected animations" in use yet, but that's not necessary for a Mail or Calendar app anyway.
What we are seeing is the implementation of "borderless" UI within both apps, as content now extends to the very edge of the top of the window. This provides a much cleaner and modern appearance to the app that I really love. There's still work to be done here with the borderless design, but considering this is still an early preview build that's totally understandable.
I personally think the Mail and Calendar apps in light mode look far better than with dark mode, which is a rarity for me. Those who follow me on Twitter will know I'm a dark mode advocate, but when it comes to the Mail and Calendar apps with Fluent Designs, I can't help but prefer the light mode more. Perhaps that's because the dark mode version isn't finished yet. I can only hope.
Overall, the work Microsoft is doing to the Mail and Calendar apps is incredibly exciting. While we do not yet see anything in regards to new features, it's great to see Microsoft bringing Fluent Design to more of its inbox apps, and is something we can't wait to see more of in Redstone 4.
Microsoft says that it will be bringing this new design language to more apps and the Windows Shell over the next few Windows 10 updates, so expect to see more Fluent Design goodies in testing over the next weeks and months leading into Redstone 4 and Redstone 5 development.
