Microsoft says Windows 8.1 will include a new version of Outlook for users of its Surface RT tablets and Windows tablets made by other companies. Outlook RT 2013 should make the RT version of Windows much more viable for professional environments.
Many noted the absence of the company's popular Outlook email client on Windows RT, the Windows 8-like operating system that ships on Microsoft's lower-cost Surface RT tablet (starting at $499). The tablet has been out since last fall.
Outlook RT 2013 made its debut at the Computex show in Taipei on Wednesday.
In addition to many other benefits being brought by Windows 8.1 — such as improved multitasking, more tile options, better memory management and smoother transitions between the Modern and classic interfaces — Windows RT will now be endowed with business-level email, complete with security controls for the IT department to tweak.
There are a few minor differences between the RT and Pro versions of the Outlook software, but they're advanced options for coders and administrators who will likely want to use Surface Pro or a desktop computer.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.