Yahoo has now given its free email service, Yahoo Mail, a major overhaul. Not only does the service look different, but Yahoo says it's also much faster than in the past.

Yahoo Mail users, among whom you can include yours truly, were greeted with a brand new interface last week when logging into their accounts. The goal of the overhaul, according to Yahoo chief executive officer Marissa Mayer, was to simplify the email experience.

Interface More Intuitive, Yahoo CEO Says

"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," Myers noted in a recent statement.

"And we've listened ... the new Yahoo! Mail is fast, easy, and available anywhere you go." (Source: digitaltrends.com)

Yahoo insists the speed boost is substantial, though I personally haven't noticed a dramatic difference in system performance.

As for the new interface, Mayer insists it's "more intuitive and easier to navigate, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your messages."

However, long-time Yahoo Mail users will notice a remarkable similarity between this new interface and the one Yahoo used two generations ago.

Mayer also believes the new Yahoo Mail is more stable, with a "consistent look and feel across devices." (Source: digitaltrends.com)

However, when using the new interface this past week, I had trouble getting the system to acknowledge right clicks of the mouse. I also had trouble cutting and pasting text using a mouse.

Here's hoping these little though annoying problems receive attention in the coming days.

Mobile Apps Receive Overhaul, Too

Yahoo has also updated its Yahoo Mail applications for Android, iOS, and Windows 8. (Source: go.com)

The Android app reportedly uses between 20 and 40 per cent less battery power than the previous Yahoo Mail app for Android, while the Windows 8 version supports the new Live Tiles interface.

While it's great to see new versions of Yahoo Mail for iOS, there still isn't an app for the iPad. Instead, Yahoo Mail for Apple-brand devices remains limited to the iPhone and iPod Touch.