PHP API for Hotmail?

Question

Is there a way to retrieve EMAIL (not contacts) using a Hotmail PHP Api? Is there EVEN one?

Answer 1

Good question. Hotmail supports POP3 so have a look into the PECL POP3 library. It's not likely going to be easy but I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to get something working.

UPDATE:

I've never actually used the PECL POP3 Library before, I just knew it existed. I've had a better look at the files and it's pretty easy to follow. The README is only 37 lines as is very clear about how to install it. It also comes with 2 examples, one shows how to use the library procedurally, the other how to use it as an Object for OOP designed systems.

You will have to be able to edit your php.ini to add the extension but I doubt you're going to get around that for any solution to this problem.

Answer 2

You can try using IMAP,POP3,NNTP of PHP It provides functions that you want. It provides installation guidelines. Also details for run time configuration.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Use the PHP POP3 and Mimetype classes: http://www.phpclasses.org/package/2-PHP-Access-to-e-mail-mailboxes-using-the-POP3-protocol.html and http://www.phpclasses.org/package/3169-PHP-Decode-MIME-e-mail-messages.html

If you change the information in this sample file you should be able to read the messages: http://www.phpclasses.org/browse/file/21753.html

Configuration information for Hotmail: http://www.ghacks.net/2009/03/14/hotmail-pop3-configuration/

Ask if you need more clarification.

Answer 4

Hotmail supports POP3 access since late 2009 so you should normally be able to retrieve the messages in Hotmail with a pop3 connector. The easiest one I know of is Zend Framework and Zend_Mail_Storage_Pop3. Since ZF is so widely used you are most likely to find tutorials and help on using these libraries.

Connection details on how to connect to a Hotmail account through pop3 are at the official pop3 announcement blogpost on the windows live blog.