Rumor: Microsoft is working on email chat app on iPhones

Microsoft is said to be working on an iOS chat application called Flow. The app is supposed to be linked to the Outlook inbox and should enable ‘fast’ conversations outside regular email traffic.

The details about the possible upcoming iOS app are found it by Twitter user @h0x0d. He searched for the keywords ‘Microsoft confidential’ and came up with a web page that mentions Flow. As per the description, Flow does not display information such as subject lines, signatures, or greetings during chat sessions. This should allow for fast, natural conversations. The app would be linked to Outlook’s inbox.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed the arrival of Flow. Flow’s objectives do resemble those of Qik, a stripped-down Skype variant with which video chats can be held. Qik only requires a phone number. Microsoft may want to bring email to the crowded market of instant messaging applications on the mobile market with Flow. Google is also experimenting to roll out e-mail in a new jacket on mobile platforms, with its Inbox service. It is unclear whether Microsoft also wants to release Flow for other mobile operating systems than iOS.