Microsoft's long-expected Hotmail service update has left users frustrated and Microsoft scrambling to find a solution to continued problems.
Since rolling out the Hotmail overhaul last week, a small handful of users have suffered e-mail outages and assorted problems. Users have complained of being locked out from address book contacts, browser freeze-ups, and other problems caused by the Hotmail update.
Microsoft tried to blame it on the display settings used by certain users, but most Hotmail users didn't buy it. Microsoft next said "older browsers" like Firefox 2.5 and Safari 3 couldn't use the new Hotmail, although IE 6 -- which is almost nine years old -- supports the update.
Microsoft has identified the cause of the problem -- and promised a fast fix -- but has offered users a very interesting short-term solution: use Google Chrome.
The Microsoft Live representative recommended downloading Windows Live Mail, use mobile browsing, or downloading Google Chrome (after a user reported the problem went away).
Some Hotmail users are threatening to leave behind the e-mail service altogether -- especially if the recommended fix is to download a Google-made browser to access Microsoft's e-mail service.
I've owned several different Hotmail accounts over the years, but haven't used one lately. It's true Google's Gmail service has been dropped a few times which made users restless, but the problem typically was resolved quickly. Instead of diligently fixing the problem, Microsoft has not offered a fast resolution.
Microsoft will almost certainly find a fix -- and some users will forgive the company and stay with Hotmail -- but this latest issue could lead to Microsoft losing even more email subscribers. The company currently trails Yahoo Mail, but remains the No. 2 most popular online e-mail service ahead of Gmail.
