14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is increasing the capacity offered by its storage service in the Cloud fivefold. This means that users of Windows Live SkyDrive will be able to enjoy no less than 25GB of free online storage. The move comes as a natural evolution of the Windows Live suite of services and applications towards the full implementation of Wave 3. Microsoft indicates that it is currently hammering away at the finishing touches for Windows Live SkyDrive Wave 3, and offers users a taste of what it is in store for them.
"You asked us to make it easier to organize and download your files, so we're answering you with four key new features to address your needs: download photos directed to your to Windows Live Photo Gallery; download as a .zip file. Download an entire folder in one compressed file (initially available only in the United States, Denmark, and Ireland); move files between folders and copy files to multiple folders," a member of the Windows Live SkyDrive team revealed.
Microsoft has labored to tailor Windows Live SkyDrive as a service for digital photo storage and sharing. In this context, the Redmond company has introduced more than 20 new features and improvements, tweaking SkyDrive in order to better accommodate digital images. Among the photo optimizations, the software giant has increased the display size of the thumbnails, made it possible for users to order photo prints from the service, offered people tags and what it referred to as a gorgeous online slide show.
"We’ve dramatically renovated the sharing experience to make it easier to share the stuff you care about. Share your files and photos without requiring friends and family to use Windows Live ID. Organize your contacts by category for easy repeat sharing, or share with your entire network or extended network. Share links to your favorite websites using Windows Live Toolbar. The links are stored on your SkyDrive. See what your friends have shared lately, all in one place," the SkyDrive team representative added.
In addition, through this service Microsoft permits users to synchronize their Internet Explorer favorites between computers, and introduces an array of new languages including: Basque, Catalan, Guajarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Kannada, Malay, Malayalam, Marathi, Serbian-Cyrillic, Tamil, Telugu, and Vietnamese. Last, but definitely not least, the graphical user interface of SkyDrive will be overhauled to match the visual style of Windows Live Wave 3. The company has not disclosed when it will roll out Windows Live SkyDrive Wave 3.