WebManiacs

To download the extension or to run what they call "instant clients", go to http://powerinbox.com/download. The Instant Clients run from any web browser that can't download the extension. The Extension is available for Chrome/RockMelt, Firefox, Safari, IE9, and Outlook (Desktop Version) with Apple Mail coming soon.

So we are using the Chrome Extension but the experience is probably similar on the Instant Clients and other browsers.

After Downloading the Extension a page will pop up showing some examples of what it looks like before and after PowerInbox. It also asks you to enter your email for them to send you a "Showcase" Email with some of the features.

After that you will look at the email and notice something different... There is a YouTube video playing in my Email!!

If you click the "Games" tab, there is a Pac-Man game; The Music tab plays some Music. All inside the Email!!

I didn't have a Facebook or Twitter email to test it out with but I will when I get one. Also there is a Sidebar with some News Feed apps like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Another cool feature is you can compose emails with interactive content such as a Connect4 game. This is still in Beta!

Now wait a second... Isn't Outlook the paid offline Email client that comes with Microsoft Office? Well, Yes, but it is also now going to become the name of all their email related products!

To get started you either have to have an existing Microsoft account (the new name for the account you use with Hotmail, Messenger, MSN, or Xbox LIVE) or you have to sign up for a new one.

To use an existing account:

Login to Hotmail

Click the Options dropdown at the upper right of the page

Click "Upgrade to Outlook.com"

You should arrive inside Outlook!

To make a new account:

Go to Outlook.com

Click "Sign Up"

Follow the Sign Up Process

You shall be in!