Microsoft releases new Outlook for Mac for Office 365 members, new Office for Mac coming in 2015

A nice surprise today from Redmond to Mac users subscribing to Office 365. A new version of Outlook for the Mac is here and has the following features.

• Better performance and reliability as a result of a new threading model and database improvements.

• A new modern user interface with improved scrolling and agility when switching between Ribbon tabs.

• Online archive support for searching Exchange (online or on-premises) archived mail.

• Master Category List support and enhancements delivering access to category lists (name and color) and sync between Mac, Windows and OWA clients.

• Office 365 push email support for real-time email delivery.

• Faster first-run and email download experience with improved Exchange Web Services syncing.

How about the rest of Offic for the Mac? Microsoft says that,  "In the first half of 2015 we will release a public beta for the next version of Office for Mac, and in the second half of 2015 we will make the final release available. Office 365 commercial and consumer subscribers will get the next version at no additional cost, and we will release a perpetual license of Office for Mac in the same timeframe." Hope it is worth the wait.

Source: Microsoft