Yahoo refreshes email offerings as changes continue apace

Yahoo has announced a series of sweeping changes to its email service for users on all major operating systems as chief executive Marissa Mayer continues to overhaul the ailing web giant.

Mayer announced the changes herself on a blog post by explaining that the numerous changes to its platform on iOS, Android and a new offering for Windows 8 were based on feedback from its 105 million strong users base.

"You've told us loud and clear that you want fewer distractions when it comes to email. You want to quickly login, communicate, and get on with your day," she said.

"Starting today, the new Yahoo Mail is fast, easy and available anywhere you go. These improvements will be available on all major platforms: web, Windows 8, iPhone/iPod touch and Android."

Among the various updates includes the removal of numerous buttons from the webmail portal that Mayer said would stop it "crowding the screen" while the iPhone app now offers infinite message scroll and folder search.

It also includes the ability to attach photos or take new images while composing a message, a feature missing from Apple's inbuilt mail app (see below).

Meanwhile the Android app has been update to improve battery life and offer thumbnail previews of attachments and support for multiple email accounts.

Finally, the Windows 8 app (pictured at top of story) is designed to take advantage of the new live-tile capabilities of the operating system.

"See new messages arrive from the Windows 8 start screen and stay on top of new messages with notifications. Quickly scroll through messages, without reloading, and search across folders," wrote Mayer.

The push to improve the firm's messaging service underlines Mayer's desire to revamp Yahoo in the eyes of its users and the wider market after years of mis-management and management dramas.

Mayer's tenure has already seen her introduce perks akin to other Silicon Valley firms, including her former employers Google, and a promise to focus on innovation in the development of new products and technologies.