Internet portal Yahoo on Tuesday started rolling out the newest version of Yahoo Mail to its as many as 284 million users worldwide.

The new service, which was launched in beta in October 2010, is designed to encourage web users to spend more time on Yahoo properties.

The updated Yahoo Mail integrates several social media services like that of Facebook and Twitter in it. It means users will be able to post messages to Facebook and Twitter from within Yahoo’s e-mail service.

Users will be able to view and share notifications and updates from the popular social networking sites with the help of a new Updates tab. They can also chat with Facebook, Windows Live and Yahoo Messenger contacts within Yahoo Mail.

Speaking on the topic, Yahoo chief product officer Blake Irving said, "Yahoo's vision for online communications brings together all the tools that people use to connect--e-mail, chat, SMS, and social updates--and makes it easier for them to share content and engage in conversations.”

The search firm also added some applications in its e-mail service from third parties like that of Evite and YouSendIt.

The inbox offers 50 different themes and stationery from which customers can opt to view messages.

New search features will allow users to sort through search results by sender, attachment file, folder location and date.