I read online that a few of the features of Hotmail Plus (namely, POP3 feature) will be available in early 2009.  Does anyone know for sure if this statement is true?

News does travel fast.

Yes, cebcubs, there is a plan on releasing POP3 to free Hotmail account users. However, we still do not have a definite date on when this will happen. We’ll keep everyone posted once the feature becomes available.

That's great!

And are you planning to allow the automatic forward in a standard hotmail account to any email address? And not only to Microsoft addresses.

Thanks in advance for your answer

Thank you for that enthusiasm, Warrio4! POP3 to standard/free Hotmail account would be a great help to many users.

About the automatic forwarding, there’s no news yet. I’ve forwarded your inquiry about this feature to our product team. This can be another great addition to standard/free Hotmail accounts.

Hi Everyone!

Just would like to give you all an update about the POP3 feature for free Hotmail account users. Check out the new Solution about this:

http://windowslivehelp.com/solutions/settings/archive/2009/01/13/pop3-availability-in-windows-live-hotmail.aspx

What about IMAP, will this happen soon if ever?

@ compositor

Currently, only POP3 is available to Hotmail users.  We'll update you if IMAP will soon be available.

Yes I would love it if the view in windows live web mail was almost if not exactly the same in windows live mail desktop, I think this would be a boon

When accounts were migrated from MSN Hotmail to Windows Live Hotmail, the idea was to make it look like and have some, if not all functions of Outlook or Windows Live Mail desktop. Your feedback has been submitted as a feature request together with your other requests. Feel free to continue sending us your comments and suggestions so that we can continually improve on your experience with Hotmail.

wow thanks, I am no longer renewing my hotmail plus. epic failure no IMAP.