Microsoft Outlook’s Significant Update on Inline Images

Microsoft to Revamp Image Handling in Outlook

Microsoft is making concerted efforts to encourage users to embrace the new Outlook experience, yet it faces significant pushback from customers dissatisfied with the app, often dubbing it “hot garbage.”In response to this resistance, the company is implementing a noteworthy update that will affect both the new Outlook for Windows and its web counterpart.

Changes to Inline Image Processing

One of the primary modifications involves how inline images are encoded within Outlook. This shift is particularly relevant for developers who have created add-ins designed to handle images within the service. Historically, the HTML for inline images contained an attachment ID that allowed developers to extract a corresponding URL ID for further processing.

Introduction of Fetch Calls

The upcoming changes will transition the method used to retrieve inline images from a simple GET request to a more secure fetch call that includes a token in the request header. This approach is already a part of the classic Outlook for Windows, making the new update a significant step forward for both the new application and web users.

Developer Guidance and Deadlines

Microsoft has advised developers to revise their content parsing logic to align with these changes, emphasizing the need for thorough testing of any affected add-ins. The rollout of this significant platform update is scheduled to commence on November 15, making it imperative for developers to adapt their systems prior to this date. Fortunately, end users are not expected to experience noticeable disruptions, provided that their add-ins have been updated accordingly.

This proactive update reflects Microsoft’s commitment to improving both security and functionality in Outlook. Industry experts encourage developers to prioritize these changes to ensure a seamless experience for users, especially as more organizations leverage Outlook for daily communications.

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