Microsoft hooks Hotmail up with new features

In keeping with the battle of who is better than who, Microsoft have decided to amp up their efforts against Google by arming Hotmail with an arsenal of new features.

Despite boasting over 150 million more users than Googlemail, Hotmail has failed to grab the attention of the media in the same way that Gmail has with its seemingly never-ending array of applications and features.

Now Hotmail is bouncing back with a raft of upgrades in a bid to become more competitive and user-friendly. 

Amongst the changes will be the introduction of Hotmail highlights and a 'Sweep' function which will expand the number of ways in which subscribers can view, filter and arrange their inbox.

Hotmail users can also look forward to Office Web Apps which means documents can be amended within the inbox itself rather than editing via a word processor. 

Microsoft are set to start converting Gmail users to pastures new this summer when the updated version of Hotmail is officially launched.